Nonnutritive sweeteners and weight gain—Is there any evidence to support the claims?

What’s going on with nonnutritive sweeteners? There are so many claims out there regarding the health benefits or warnings against adverse effects of consuming these products. Reputable professional organizations currently have varying opinions about the use of nonnutritive sweeteners and well-conducted research studies report opposite results at times.

While the evidence is still growing and research is still underway, it is interesting to note that there is a possibility that a physiological change may occur in the body when nonnutritive sweeteners are consumed that could potentially promote weight gain. There are several hypotheses for this possible physiological connection supported in preliminary research at this time. Let’s take a look at them one at a time.

Sweet taste receptor activation

Sweet tasting foods activate sweet taste receptors in the body. This includes nutritive sweeteners (e.g., sucrose, fructose) and nonnutritive sweeteners (e.g., Stevia, aspartame). Sweet taste receptors are located in the oral cavity and throughout the body. When sweet taste receptors are activated in the oral cavity, they release neurotransmitters to the brain, telling the brain that something sweet has been consumed. The response of sweet taste receptors in other parts of the body are not fully understood. We do know that sweet taste receptor activation in the pancreas leads to insulin release and that sweet taste receptor activation in the intestines leads to the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These hormonal releases in response to nonnutritive sweeteners could lead to changes in metabolic health and eventual weight gain.

Promotion of adipogenesis

There are sweet taste receptors located in adipose tissue. Researchers believe that when these receptors are exposed to nonnutritive sweeteners, it promotes adipogenesis, or development of new fat cells. Development of new fat cells could eventually lead to greater fat accumulation and weight gain.

Changes in relationship between sweetness and calories

Naturally, sweet tasting foods are indicative of calories and nutrients, but this is not the case with nonnutritive sweeteners, which contain minimal calories and nutrients. One hypothesis suggests that the sensation of sweetness without calories and nutrients may result in a disturbance of appetite regulation and metabolic signaling. The idea is that this disturbance could cause someone to have the desire to eat more food since nutrients were not received with sweet tasting foods, eventually leading to weight gain.

Changes in taste preferences

Exposure to sweet compounds could lead to a stronger preference for sweet tasting foods. Since many highly sweet foods are also high in calories and nutrients, an enhanced sweetness preference could lead to poor dietary patterns and eventual weight gain.

Changes in gut microbiota

We know that nonnutritive sweeteners positively influence the microbial composition of the oral mucosa by promoting anti-microbial activity against periodontal pathogens. We are now learning about the changes that nonnutritive sweeteners may have on the gut microbiota. Studies indicate nonnutritive sweetener consumption can cause glucose intolerance, elevated fasting glucose, and impaired insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. These changes in the gut could lead to metabolic dysfunction and eventual weight gain.

Glucose absorption

In some studies, nonnutritive sweetener consumption alongside glucose increases the rate of glucose absorption. This could be because of nonnutritive sweetener-induced upregulation of the two main intestinal glucose transporters. This alteration in the metabolic process could lead to eventual weight gain.

Please remember, these are all potential physiological explanations of why nonnutritive sweetener consumption could lead to weight gain. All of these ideas are supported by preliminary research, but more research is needed to support and prove any or all of these ideas in humans. Currently, nonnutritive sweeteners are safe for consumption according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within certain parameters. If you want to learn more about the current evidence about nonnutritive sweetener consumption and body weight, check out the webinar developed by Dietitians On Demand on this topic!

Dietitians On Demand is a nationwide staffing and recruiting company for registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long term care and food service positions. We’re dedicated to dietitians and helping them enhance their practice and excel in the workplace. Check out our job openings, request your coverage, or visit our store today!

References:

United Stated Department of Agriculture: National Agriculture Library. (2019). Nutritive and Nonnutritive Sweetener Resources. Retrieved from: https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/nutritive-and-nonnutritive-sweetener-resources

Sylvetsky, A. C., Rother, K. I. (2018). Non-nutritive Sweeteners in Weight Management and Chronic Disease: a review. Obesity (Silver Spring). 26(4): 635-640

Sylvetsky, A.C. (2018). Metabolic Effects of Low-Calorie Sweeteners: A Brief Review. Obesity. 26: S25-S31.