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Effects of Non-nutritive Sweeteners on Sweet Taste Processing and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Eating Behavior

Current Nutrition Reports volume 9, pages 278–289 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are increasingly used as a replacement for nutritive sugars as means to quench the desire for “sweets” while contributing few or no dietary calories. However, there is concern that NNS may uncouple the evolved relationship between sweet taste and post-ingestive neuroendocrine signaling. In this review, we examine the effects of NNS exposure on neural and peripheral systems in humans.

Recent Findings

NNS exposure during early development may influence sweet taste preferences, and NNS consumption might increase motivation for sweet foods. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence that NNS elicit differential neuronal responsivity in areas related to reward and satiation, compared with caloric sweeteners. Findings are heterogenous regarding whether NNS affect physiological responses.

Summary

Additional studies are warranted regarding the consequences of NNS on metabolic outcomes and neuroendocrine pathways. Given the widespread popularity of NNS, future studies are essential to establish their role in long-term health.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases R01DK102794 (PI: K.A.P).

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Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street; CSC 209, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Alexandra G. Yunker, Reshma Patel & Kathleen A. Page

  2. Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Alexandra G. Yunker, Reshma Patel & Kathleen A. Page

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  1. Alexandra G. Yunker
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  2. Reshma Patel
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  3. Kathleen A. Page
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Correspondence to Kathleen A. Page.

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Yunker, A.G., Patel, R. & Page, K.A. Effects of Non-nutritive Sweeteners on Sweet Taste Processing and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Eating Behavior. Curr Nutr Rep 9, 278–289 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-020-00323-3

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Keywords

  • Non-nutritive sweeteners
  • Low-calorie sweeteners
  • Sweeteners
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Sweet taste
  • Hormones
  • Obesity
  • Insulin
  • Incretins
  • GLP-1
  • Brain
  • fMRI
  • Neuroimaging
  • Obesity
  • Reward
  • Satiety
  • Food intake
  • Feeding behavior
  • Appetite
  • Hypothalamus
  • Striatum
  • Insula
  • Amygdala