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Artificial sweetener consumption by pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of infant obesity, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to determine if maternal consumption of artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) during pregnancy is associated with modifications of infant gut bacterial community composition and function during the first year of life, and whether these alterations are linked with infant body mass index (BMI) at one year of age. We studied 100 infants from the prospective Canadian CHILD Cohort Study, selected based on maternal ASB consumption during pregnancy (50 non-consumers and 50 daily consumers). BMI was higher among ASB-exposed infants. Infant stool (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and urine (untargeted metabolomics) were acquired in early (3–4 months) and late (12 months) infancy. We identified four microbiome clusters, of which two recapitulated the maturation trajectory of the infant gut bacterial communities from immature (Cluster 1) to mature (Cluster 4) and two deviated from this trajectory (Clusters 2 and 3). Maternal ASB consumption did not differ between clusters, but was associated with community-level shifts in infant gut bacterial taxonomy structure and depletion of several Bacteroides sp. in Cluster 2. In the complete dataset, urine succinate and spermidine levels at 3 months were higher in ASB-exposed infants, and urine succinate was positively associated with BMI at one-year-old. Overall, gestational exposure to ASB was associated with gut microbiota structure in infants from Cluster 2, and gut microbiota structure was associated with infant BMI. Gestational exposure to ASB was positively associated with infant urine succinate and spermidine. Succinate was found to mediate 29% of the effect of ASB exposure on BMI at one-year-old, revealing a potential role of this metabolite in increased infant weight linked to gestational ASB consumption. As we face an unprecedented rise in childhood obesity, future studies should evaluate the causal relationships between maternal ASB consumption (a modifiable exposure), gut microbiota and metabolites, infant metabolism, and body composition.

Rising rates of obesity in most industrialized countries are a major cause of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Binge eating, characterized by excessive consumption of highly palatable food within a short period of time, contributes significantly to these problems, even in individuals who are not diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED). Over the last half century, the use of non-nutritive substitutes has been promoted as a means to reduce fat and sugar consumption, potentially minimizing obesity-related illnesses. Paradoxically, increased intake of artificial sweeteners is associated with weight gain, which may be linked to alterations in metabolic processes. Artificial sweeteners also increase food intake in both humans and rodents, raising intriguing possibilities that these substances are altering biological processes that underlie the homeostatic control of feeding. We explore this idea by summarizing the clinical and preclinical literature on behavioral and biological mechanisms of artificial sweeteners. As a starting point, we review evidence that non-nutritive sweeteners are rewarding in rodent models, then provide a comparison of neural systems mediating the rewarding properties of natural and artificial sweeteners. We then summarize data pointing to sexual dimorphism in behavioral and biological responses to sucrose, with preliminary evidence suggesting that responses to artificial sweeteners may follow a similar pattern. Finally, we provide an overview of the relationship between binge eating and substance use disorders, noting findings from animal studies that artificial sweeteners could contribute to this comorbidity.

There are currently worldwide efforts to reduce sugar intake due to the various adverse health effects linked with the overconsumption of sugars. Artificial sweeteners have been used as an alternative to nutritive sugars in numerous applications, however, their long-term effects on human health remain controversial. This led to a shift in consumer preference towards non-caloric sweeteners from natural sources. Thaumatins are a class of intensely sweet proteins found in arils of the fruits of the West-African plant Thaumatococcus daniellii. Thaumatins’ current production method through aqueous extraction from this plant and uncertainty of the harvest from tropical rainforests limits its supply while the demand is increasing. Despite successful recombinant expression of the protein in several organisms, no large-scale bioproduction facilities exist. We present preliminary process design, process simulation, and economic analysis for a large-scale (50 metric tons/year) production of a thaumatin II variant using several different molecular farming platforms.

Repeated experience with artificial sweeteners increases food consumption and body weight gain in rats. Saccharin consumption may reduce the conditioned satiety response to sweet-tasting food. Rats were trained to press a lever to obtain sucrose for five days. A compound cue (tone + light) was presented with every sucrose delivery. On the following day, each lever press produced only the compound cue (cue-reactivity test). Subjects were then provided with yogurt for three weeks in their home cages. The rats were divided into two groups. Rats in the saccharin group received yogurt sweetened with saccharin on some days and unsweetened yogurt on others. For the plain group, only unsweetened plain yogurt was provided. Subsequently, the cue-reactivity test was conducted again. On the following day, the rats underwent a consumption test in which each lever press was reinforced with sucrose. Chow consumption and body weight gain were larger in the saccharin group than in the plain group. Lever responses increased from the first to the second cue-reactivity tests (incubation of craving) in both groups. During the consumption test, lever responses were higher in the saccharin group than in the plain group, suggesting that the conditioned satiety response was impaired in the saccharin group.

Despite the reduced caloric content of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) relative to those sweetened with sucrose, consumption of ASBs fail to consistently decrease the risk of obesity and associated diseases. This failure may be due to the inability of ASBs to effectively reduce appetite and hence overall caloric intake. A variety of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), however, remain to be screened for effectiveness in promoting satiety and reducing calorie consumption. Erythritol is well-tolerated, low-calorie sugar alcohol widely used as a sugar substitute. It is unique among NNS due to its low sweetness index relative to glucose, meaning that it is typically served at much higher concentrations than other common NNS. Animal and human studies have noted correlations between osmolarity, satiety, and levels of satiety hormones, independent of the effects of sweetness or nutritive value. We hypothesized that consumption of a beverage sweetened with erythritol to the sweetness and osmolarity of a common soft drink will improve self-reported satiety and more strongly affect the magnitude of changes in the hormone ghrelin than would an iso sweet beverage sweetened only with aspartame, a sweetener with a high sweetness index relative to glucose. Using a randomized double-blind crossover trial, we found that serum ghrelin was significantly decreased after consumption of an erythritol-sweetened beverage compared to aspartame. Likewise, consumption of the erythritol-sweetened beverage increased various measures of satiety in volunteers. Knowledge gained from this project demonstrates that high-osmolarity NNS may be useful in formulating ASBs that are satiating and low in calories.

Poor diets, including excess added sugar consumption, contribute to the global burden of disease. Subsequently, many nutrition policies have been implemented to reduce added sugar intake and improve population health, including taxes, education, labelling and environmental interventions. A potential consequence of these policy actions is the substitution of added sugars with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in a variety of foods and beverages. NNS are used to reduce the energy and sugar content of foods and beverages while maintaining their palatability. Evidence of the toxicological risks of NNS is inconsistent, though concerns have been raised over the potential substitution effects of ultra-processed foods containing NNS for whole foods. This review aimed to provide an overview of current NNS food supply and consumption patterns, assess added sugar-reduction policies and their impact on NNS, and determine the impact of NNS on food choice, energy intake and diet quality. NNS are widely available in a variety of products, though most commonly in carbonated beverages, dairy products, confectionery, table-top sweeteners and fruit drinks. However, the longitudinal trends of different product categories, and differences between geographies and economy-income levels, require further study. Few studies have examined NNS consumption trends globally, though an increase in NNS consumption in beverages has been observed in some regions. Research examining how the increased availability of low-sugar, NNS-containing products affects global dietary patterns is limited, particularly in terms of their potential substitution effects.

Data are lacking on whether non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) can be used as a strategy to support decreases in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. The purpose of this secondary analysis of a 6-month SSB-reduction intervention was to explore changes in NNS consumption patterns in Talking Health participants within the SIPsmartER (n = 101) intervention. Additionally, participant characteristics were compared for three SSB-NNS change groups (decrease SSB/increase NNS, decrease SSB/no increase in NNS, increase/no change in SSB/regardless of NNS). There was a significant increase in aspartame and total NNS intake for participants (mean daily mg increases of 37.2 &plusmn, 13.9 and 63.7 &plusmn, 18.5, respectively). With the exception of sex, no differences in participant characteristics were found between the three SSB-NNS change groups. Furthermore, no significant changes in weight or body mass index (BMI) were demonstrated between SSB-NNS change groups over time. Diet soda was the most commonly consumed source of NNS, however, other dietary sources of NNS also contributed to intake. At 6 months, intake of sucralose and saccharin were primarily from dietary sources other than diet sodas (94% and 100%, respectively). These findings suggest that NNS may be a feasible strategy to help reduce SSB consumption. This study supports the need to consistently quantify and identify NNS intake, beyond using diet soda intake as a proxy for NNS intake and grouping all NNS types into one variable, to more accurately address the potential health effects of NNS.

People suffering from diabetes or being overweight must severely reduce their sugar use, often seeking food with sweeteners. Often, sugar is replaced by non-nutritious sweeteners in beverages, which also contain several other substances like vitamins, caffeine, amino acids, phenolic compounds and thus increasing the shelf life of the beverages is additionally treated with the addition of preservatives. As the concentration of additives in food (including beverages) is determined by the legislation in force, it is necessary to have an appropriate analytical method for food control. Since artificial sweeteners and preservatives are very different substances, they are determined separately using different HPLC methods. In this work HPLC method combining the advantages of specific (diode array detector, DAD) and universal (evaporative light scattering detector, ELSD) detector was validated and used for simultaneous determination of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, sucralose and steviol glycosides in sugar-free beverages. The proposed analytical method showed good linearity, precision, and accuracy. Measured limits of detection (0.6 – 11.8 mg.dm-3 depending on the analyte) were sufficient to analyze 5-times diluted beverage samples. The validated method has been successfully used for the simultaneous analysis of artificial sweeteners and preservatives in beverage samples (energy drinks, ice teas, carbonated drinks). Except for steviol glycosides, the concentration of monitored substances in beverages did not exceed the maximum permitted concentrations given in the valid legislation.

Many factors influence the efficiency of muscle growth including genetics, nutrition, and environment. The neonatal period is characterized as a time of rapid growth. Growth rate is reduced during neonatal nutrient restriction possibly due to altered satellite cell activity which can permanently alter growth potential. Therefore, optimal nutrition is important for maximizing the growth potential of the animal. Heat stress leads to changes in digestion and metabolism, thus alters nutrient availability to muscle. Heat stress is a prevalent problem in the agriculture industry resulting in great economic losses due to reduced growth, fertility, and increased morbidity. The use of functional feed additives is a potential strategy to mitigate these negative effects. The objective of this dissertation was to investigate nutritional strategies to improve growth in pigs during key malleable periods. Three nutritional studies were conducted to discern the optimal inclusion levels of calcium phosphate, energy, and protein in the diet to maximize neonatal muscle growth. Adequate dietary calcium phosphate was most efficient for satellite cell function which may be mediated by micro-RNA. Differentiation promoting miR-206 and correspondingly the fusion rate was highest in adequate calcium phosphate diets. Excess protein diets enhanced body and muscle growth, while deficient protein was detrimental to growth. Dietary protein treatments altered energy metabolism genes, and genes regulating protein degradation were upregulated in deficient protein diets. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight, however feed efficiency improved with energy balance. Excess energy diets had the lowest fusion rates and the lowest differentiation promoting miR-1 expression. These data suggest that nutrient inclusion levels are important for satellite cell function and may mediate satellite cell activity through the expression of micro-RNAs. The final study sought to discern the ability of supplementation of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on pig performance. Heat stress leads to increased body temperature and respiration and was detrimental to metabolic flexibility. Supplementation helped improve feed efficiency and maintain metabolic flexibility. These data indicate that supplementation may be an efficient strategy to mitigate heat stress. Doctor of Philosophy Muscle is an important tissue to consider when optimizing growing conditions in feed animals due to its function as a consumer good. Many factors influence the efficiency of muscle growth including genetics, nutrition, and environment. Fractional growth rates are highest during the neonatal period and animals require adequate nutrients to facilitate this growth. Nutrient restriction reduces growth rate and can lead to permanent changes the animals' body size and composition later in life. Therefore, optimal nutrition is important for maximizing the growth potential of the animal. While the nutrients in feed can be controlled to improve growth, other factors are more difficult to regulate. Heat stress is a prevalent problem in the agriculture industry resulting in great economic losses due to reduced growth, fertility, and increased morbidity. The use of functional feed additives is a potential strategy to alleviate these negative effects. The objective of this dissertation was to investigate nutritional strategies to improve growth in pigs during key malleable periods. Three nutritional studies were conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels of calcium phosphate, energy, and protein in the diet to maximize neonatal muscle growth. Satellite cells are muscle-specific stem cells that help facilitate the growth of muscle. Altering the ability of satellite cells to proliferate and fuse impairs the ability of muscle to grow and repair. Adequate dietary calcium phosphate was most efficient for satellite cell function. Excess protein diets enhanced body and muscle growth, while deficient protein was detrimental to growth. Dietary protein treatments altered energy metabolism genes, and genes regulating protein degradation were upregulated in deficient protein diets. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight, however, feed efficiency improved with energy balance. Satellite cells from excess energy diets had the lowest fusion rates. These data suggest that nutrient inclusion levels are important for satellite cell function and growth. The final study sought to discern the ability of the supplementation of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on pig performance. Heat stress leads to increased body temperature and respiration and was detrimental to metabolic flexibility. Supplementation helped improve feed efficiency and maintain metabolic flexibility. These data indicate that supplementation may be an efficient strategy to mitigate heat stress.

Purpose This study investigated the effect of food additives, artificial sweeteners and domestic hygiene products on the gut microbiome and fibre fermentation capacity. Methods Faecal samples from 13 healthy volunteers were fermented in batch cultures with food additives (maltodextrin, carboxymethyl cellulose, polysorbate-80, carrageenan-kappa, cinnamaldehyde, sodium benzoate, sodium sulphite, titanium dioxide), sweeteners (aspartame-based sweetener, sucralose, stevia) and domestic hygiene products (toothpaste and dishwashing detergent). Short-chain fatty acid production was measured with gas chromatography. Microbiome composition was characterised with 16S rRNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results Acetic acid increased in the presence of maltodextrin and the aspartame-based sweetener and decreased with dishwashing detergent or sodium sulphite. Propionic acid increased with maltodextrin, aspartame-based sweetener, sodium sulphite and polysorbate-80 and butyrate decreased dramatically with cinnamaldehyde and dishwashing detergent. Branched-chain fatty acids decreased with maltodextrin, aspartame-based sweetener, cinnamaldehyde, sodium benzoate and dishwashing detergent. Microbiome Shannon α-diversity increased with stevia and decreased with dishwashing detergent and cinnamaldehyde. Sucralose, cinnamaldehyde, titanium dioxide, polysorbate-80 and dishwashing detergent shifted microbiome community structure; the effects were most profound with dishwashing detergent (R2 = 43.9%, p = 0.008) followed by cinnamaldehyde (R2 = 12.8%, p = 0.016). Addition of dishwashing detergent and cinnamaldehyde increased the abundance of operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) belonging to Escherichia/Shigella and Klebsiella and decreased members of Firmicutes, including OTUs of Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum. Addition of sucralose and carrageenan-kappa also increased the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella and sucralose, sodium sulphite and polysorbate-80 did likewise to Bilophila. Polysorbate-80 decreased the abundance of OTUs of Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum. Similar effects were observed with the concentration of major bacterial groups using qPCR. In addition, maltodextrin, aspartame-based sweetener and sodium benzoate promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium whereas sodium sulphite, carrageenan-kappa, polysorbate-80 and dishwashing detergent had an inhibitory effect. Conclusions This study improves understanding of how additives might affect the gut microbiota composition and its fibre metabolic activity with many possible implications for human health.

Artificial sweeteners are widely used food ingredients in beverages and drinks to lower calorie intake which in turn prevent lifestyle diseases such as obesity. Epidemiological evidences suggest that an overdose of artificial sweeteners could result to adverse effects after consumption. Thus, our study aims to systematically explore the potential adverse effects of eight commercial artificial sweeteners, including acesulfame-K, alitame, aspartame, sodium cyclamate, dulcin, neotame, saccharin and sucralose on cardiac performances of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Daphnia as model animals. Embryonic zebrafish and Daphnia were exposed to eight artificial sweeteners at 100 ppb concentrations and their cardiac performance (heart rate, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output and heartbeat regularity) were measured and compared. Saccharin significantly increased the heart rate of zebrafish larvae while a significant decrease was observed in Daphnia. Significant increase was also noted in zebrafish heart rate variability after incubation in acesulfame K, dulcin, sodium cyclamate, and sucralose. However, a significant increase in Daphnia was only observed after incubation in dulcin. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering results, several artificial sweetener samples were species-specific to zebrafish and Daphnia. Our study demonstrates the potential adverse physiological effects of artificial sweeteners in cardiovascular systems of zebrafish larvae and Daphnia.

Artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame-potassium (ACE-K). saccharin (SAC), and aspartame (ASP), play a vital role in the food industry. Despite apparent benefits, several studies report adverse reactions on consumers. EFSA is currently re-evaluating several individual sweeteners, including ASP, Ace-K and SAC that shall be completed by 31 December 2020. Our goal was to evaluate, by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (LC-UV), their levels in non-alcoholic beverages from the Portuguese market (soft drinks, sport drinks, energy drinks, and nectars), and estimate the exposure of the Portuguese adolescent/adult population. ACE-K was found in 85.7% of the samples, in mean levels of 97.4 mg/L. ASP and SAC, detected in 37.5% and 33.9% of the samples, were found in averages of 161.5 and 55.0 mg/L, respectively. The maximum limits set for ASP were exceeded in one energy drink. SAC exceeded the maximum permitted level (MPL) level in 3 soft drinks based on tea extracts. In 4 samples SAC was found but not mentioned in the label, and in one of these samples exceeded the MPL. The estimated daily intake (EDI), calculated in mg per kilogram of body weight per day, of ACE-K, SAC and ASP was found to be below the acceptable daily intake (ADI), both for Portuguese adolescents and adult population. Traditional soft drinks accounted for the highest EDIs representing 1.8%, 2.3% and 0.6% for ACE-K, SAC and ASP, respectively, of the ADI. Considering the previous report in Portugal it is observed that the population is currently exposed to a greater amount of artificial sweeteners, which may indicate a trend for more artificial sweeteners' usage in order to reduce sugar intake.

Cornelian cherries are red fruits which can be considered as a valuable dietary source of antioxidant biologically active compounds, especially anthocyanins. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anthocyanins degradation process in Cornelian cherry juice supplemented with different sweeteners. Four formulations of Cornelian cherry juice were prepared using different sugars (sucrose, fructose) or artificial sweeteners (aspartame and acesulfame potassium). The obtained juices were stored at three distinct temperatures (2 &deg, C, 25 &deg, C, and 75 &deg, C) in order to evaluate the effects of the sweetener and storage conditions on the pigment stability. The rate constants (k) and the half time values (t1/2) of the degradation processes were determined. The highest stability was observed for the anthocyanins from the unsweetened juice stored at 2 &deg, C (k = 0.5&middot, 10&minus, 3 h&minus, 1), while the most accelerated degradation was registered for the fructose sweetened juice stored at 75 &deg, C (k = 91.65&middot, 1). The presence of the different sweeteners in the Cornelian cherry juice affects their pigment stability during storage. The highest change in the retention of anthocyanins was determined by the presence of fructose, while acesulfame potassium had the less deleterious effect.

Мета дослідження – визначити вплив малих доз глюкози та підсолоджувачів, рослинного – стевії солодкої та хімічного – аспартаму, на рівень глюкози в крові за гіперглікемії в пацієнтів з цукровим діабетом 2 типу.Автори пропонують як один із перших можливих шляхів лікування цукрового діабету 2 типу – зниження гіперглікемії впливом солодощів на слизову ротової порожнини, зокрема, малими дозами глюкози та підсолоджувачами: рослинним (екстракт стевії солодкої) і хімічним (аспартам).Спостереженнями на хворих з діабетом 2 типу дослідники встановили ефект зниження гіперглікемії після застосування малих доз глюкози та підсолоджувачів. За рівнем зменшення гіперглікемії в пацієнтів з цукровим діабетом 2 типу вивчені речовини можна розташувати наступним чином: глюкоза < екстракт листя стевії солодкої < аспартам.Автори роблять висновок, що малі дози глюкози, рослинний (екстракт листя стевії солодкої) та хімічний (аспартам) підсолоджувачі здатні знижувати гіперглікемію в пацієнтів з діабетом 2 типу.

Added sugar has become a hot topic among health professionals and in the media. Based on the best available evidence, health professionals recommend that less than 10% of daily calories come from added sugar (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] & U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2015c) in order to maintain a balanced diet with all the important nutrients. In this fact sheet, we will address why and how to limit added sugar in your diet, what it is, and where to find it.

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the potential toxic effect of aspartame (APS) artificial sweetener after chronic oral administration in rat pups as a model for children that consumption high quantities of different types of sweets and juices from the peddler, regularly and daily. Methods: Twenty-four rat pups were divided equally into three groups. Therapeutic dose group (T1) and double dose group(T2) received 0.08, 0.16 g/kg. body weight(BW), respectively, while control group (C) received distilled water orally for 90 (d)days. Results: The result of present study revealed that there was an increased consumption of food, water and arising nervous signs(aggressive) in T1 and T2 groups comparing with control. The cytogenetic study includes the mitotic index and blast index showing a substantial decline relative to the control one in both treated groups. While the blast index showed a significant reduction(P

OBJECTIVES: The consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) through foods and beverages have increased worldwide. The effects of NNS consumption on body weight, glycemic control, or type 2 diabetes incidence are not well understood. While studies in animal models suggest potentially harmful effects of NNS on metabolic health, randomized controlled trials in humans suggest moderate benefits of NNS use on body weight. The relationship between artificial sweeteners and metabolic disease may be linked to their purported effects on sweet taste preference. The Evidence Analysis Library of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has given a grade of V, concluding that adequately powered studies have not been conducted to evaluate effect of aspartame on preference for sweet taste. Thus, the goal of this study was to test the effect of aspartame, an artificial non-saccharide sweetener, on sweet taste preference in college-aged students. We hypothesized that a short-term increased intake of aspartame will increase sweet-taste preference. METHODS: Sixteen college-aged students, between the ages of 18 and 24 were recruited from Samford University, and randomized into 2 experimental groups and a control group. The experimental groups received either a nomal-dose of 543 mg aspartame (EQUAL) or a high-dose of 2172 mg aspartame, which was the equivalent to drinking 3 or 12, 12-oz cans of aspartame-containing beverage, respectively. The control group received 200 mg blue food-coloring, which was also added to experimental groups. The intervention period was for 7 days. Body weight, height, 24-hour food recall (ASA-24), and the Monell two-series forced-choice test for sweet preference testing were completed, both before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Our studies showed a significant increase in sweet taste preference for the higher dose aspartame group. This was not associated with an increase in total or added sugars, total fat intake, or change in body weight. CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise the possibility that a short-term increased intake of aspartame may influence sweet taste preference in college-aged students. FUNDING SOURCES: None.

Introduction: In adults, epidemiologic studies consistently show negative health outcomes (e.g. insulin resistance, stroke) related to artificial (or non-nutritive) sweetener (NNS) intake. In children, NNS sweetened beverage consumption is associated with higher total energy and sugar intake. In infants, we documented the immediate appearance of NNS in breast milk after mothers consume diet soda. A positive association between prenatal NNS exposure and higher BMI at 1 year of life has been observed in infants whose mothers routinely consumed NNS during pregnancy. In mice, we recently reported marked changes in intestinal microbiome and hepatic detoxification pathways of pups that had been exposed to NNS via their mothers’ intake during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, we conducted a pilot project to determine whether there is direct evidence for prenatal NNS exposure in humans. In future studies, we will investigate effects on health outcomes. Methods: Concentrations of 3 NNS (acesulfame-potassium (ace-K), sucralose and saccharin) were measured with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in cord blood samples (n=15) and amniotic fluid samples (n=13). Aspartame cannot be measured because of its prompt metabolism into aspartic acid and phenylalanine. The cord blood samples were obtained from offspring of women enrolled in a sickle cell clinical trial at the NIH, while the amniotic fluid samples had been obtained for clinical purposes during the 3rd trimester. No dietary information was available other than 2 of 13 women were not in the fasting state when undergoing amniocentesis. Results: In the cord blood samples, ace-K and saccharin were present in 12/15 (80%) samples. None of the samples contained sucralose. In the 13 amniotic fluid samples, 10 (77%) samples contained at least one sweetener. One sample was positive for all 3 sweeteners. Maximum concentrations in cord blood were 6.5 ng/mL for ace-K and 2.7 ng/mL for saccharin, while maximum concentrations in amniotic fluid were 78.9 ng/mL for ace-K, 55.9 ng/mL for saccharin, and 30.6 ng/mL for sucralose (non-fasting sample). Most women were in the fasting state before undergoing amniocentesis or giving birth, thus NNS peak concentrations could not be determined in this pilot study. Discussion and Conclusion: 80% of cord blood samples (babies’ blood) and 77% of amniotic fluid samples (reflecting babies’ direct gastrointestinal/lung exposure) contained ace-K, saccharin and/or sucralose. We speculate that NNS exposure may influence in utero growth and development, e.g. sweet taste preference and metabolic pathways. Prospective studies are necessary to test these hypotheses. Results will determine whether current recommendations (or lack thereof) regarding NNS intake during pregnancy and lactation need to be revised.

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees with nectar flower ingredients containing various nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, plant pigments and aromatic components. Honey consists of water (17%), fructose (38.2%), glucose (31.3%), other disaccharides (5%), melezitose (

Introduction: Sweeteners are substances used to replace sugar. They can either be chemically produced (artificial sweeteners) or extracted from plants (natural sweeteners). In the last two decades, there is an increased popularity in their role as sugar substitutes in individuals to promote weight loss or maintain glycemic control. However, despite their favorable effects, there is concern regarding their side effects and especially their influence in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Areas covered: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Medline including systematic reviews, longitudinal controlled studies, and retrospective cohort studies. We present an up-to-date systematic review of the current literature regarding the safety in artificial and natural sweeteners use as a means of weight loss or diabetes control.Expert opinion: Natural sweeteners have not been associated directly with NAFLD, and on the contrary, some, such as stevia, and trehalose, may have a protective effect. Rare sugars and polyols can be used safely and have significant benefits that include anti-oxidant effect and optimal glycemic control. Artificial sweeteners, due to their effect on NAFLD development and insulin resistance, are not indicated in patients with obesity or diabetes. Further studies in human subjects are required to verify the above findings.

Freshwater systems worldwide are threatened by excessive nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loading. This study evaluated the contribution of septic systems to stream nutrient loads in nine subwatersheds. Stream sampling was conducted during low and high discharge conditions, with samples analyzed for total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrate (NO3-N), and acesulfame (ACE; wastewater tracer). Higher septic effluent reached the subwatershed outlets during high discharge conditions. Subwatersheds with newer households had a lower percentage of septic effluent reaching the stream compared with subwatersheds with older households. Seasonal and event-based ACE concentration-discharge relationships revealed that the hydrological pathways delivering septic effluent to the outlets are different between the subwatersheds. Finally, the contribution of septic systems to TP, SRP, and NO3-N stream loads were greater during low discharge conditions, with the percentage contributions greater in more urban subwatersheds with higher septic density. The study provides new information needed to guide septic system management strategies.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - FAPERGS Mycotoxins are substances produced by fungi, natural contaminants of various foods. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced mainly by fungi of the Aspergillus genus, with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) being the most frequent and the most toxic. AFB1 has carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects, is converted in the liver to 8,9-epoxide, a metabolite that reacts with cellular macromolecules, including proteins, RNA and DNA. In this way, AFB1 alters hematological parameters and promotes an imbalance in the oxidative system, especially in antioxidant enzymes. Sweeteners are substances used as substitutes for sucrose, among them aspartame (ASP), which is widely used in food formulations and in the pharmaceutical industry. The toxicity mechanism of ASP is mainly based on the induction of oxidative stress and can act on different tissues. Considering the presence of both AFB1 and ASP in a meal, as well as their mechanisms of toxicity, they can promote the development of oxidative stress, imbalance in enzyme defenses and facilitate the development of behavioral changes. In this study, we investigated the exposure to AFB1 (250 μg / kg, ig) and / or ASP (75mg / kg, ig) in the animals' behavior through the Open Field, Marble Burying test, Nesting test and Splash test, and biochemical parameters after 7 and 14 days. The results showed changes in behavioral parameters, evidenced by the increase in time spent in the center in the open field test, increase in the number of balls buried and decrease in the time of cleaning the face in the sucrose spray test in the animals treated with AFB1 + ASP after 7 and 14 days. There was a change in oxidative stress markers, represented by a decrease in the activity of the enzyme catalase (CAT) in the liver and kidney after 7 days of exposure and an increase in activity after 14 days in all groups. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) increased in the liver and kidney after 7 and 14 days, the ascorbic acid content decreased in the liver, cortex and hippocampus only in the longest treatment. Likewise, non-protein thiols (NPSH) and antioxidant power using reduced iron (FRAP) decreased in the liver, kidney, cortex and hippocampus only after 14 days of exposure. The lipid peroxidation determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increased in the 7-day treatment only in the hippocampus, and after 14 days of exposure to AFB1 + ASP there was an increase in this marker in the liver, kidney, cortex and hippocampus. We observed a reduction in SOD-2 immunoreactivity in the hippocampus after treatment with AFB1 or ASP. It can be concluded that the administration of AFB1 and ASP alter oxidative parameters in the liver, kidney, cerebral cortex and hippocampus, both isolated and associated, in addition to promoting changes in the parameters related to depression and anxiety analyzed in the open field, Marble Burying test and Splash test . Thus, we emphasize the importance of knowing the toxic effects and the synergism that can occur between these food components, which may be able to promote an imbalance and thus affect and/or facilitate the development of diseases. Micotoxinas são substâncias produzidas por fungos, contaminantes naturais de diversos alimentos. As aflatoxinas são micotoxinas produzidas principalmente pelos fungos do gênero Aspergillus, sendo a aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) a mais frequente e a mais tóxica. A AFB1 apresenta efeitos carcinogênicos, mutagênicos e teratogênicos, é convertida no fígado em 8,9-epóxido, um metabólito que reage com macromoléculas celulares, incluindo proteínas, RNA e DNA. Desta forma, a AFB1 altera parâmetros hematológicos e promove um desequilíbrio no sistema oxidativo, especialmente nas enzimas antioxidantes. Os adoçantes são substâncias utilizadas como substitutos da sacarose, dentre eles destaca-se o aspartame (ASP), o qual é amplamente utilizado em formulações alimentares e na indústria farmacêutica. O mecanismo de toxicidade do ASP baseia-se principalmente na indução de estresse oxidativo e pode atuar em diferentes tecidos. Considerando a presença tanto de AFB1 como de ASP numa refeição, bem como seus mecanismos de toxicidade, eles podem promover o desenvolvimento de quadros de estresse oxidativo, desequilíbrio nas defesas enzimáticas e facilitar o desenvolvimento de alterações comportamentais. Neste estudo, investigamos a exposição a AFB1 (250 μg/kg, i.g.) e/ou ASP (75mg/kg, i.g.) no comportamento dos animais através dos testes de Campo Aberto, Bolinhas enterradas, Construção de Ninho e Borrifagem de Sacarose, bem como em parâmetros bioquímicos após 7 e 14 dias. Os resultados mostraram alterações nos parâmetros comportamentais, evidenciados pelo aumento no tempo gasto no centro no teste de campo aberto, aumento no número de bolinhas enterradas e diminuição no tempo de limpeza da face no teste de borrifagem de sacarose nos animais tratados com AFB1+ASP após 7 e 14 dias. Houve alteração nos marcadores de estrese oxidativo, representados pela diminuição da atividade da enzima catalase (CAT) no fígado e rim após 7 dias de exposição e aumento na atividade após 14 dias em todos os grupos. A glutationa-S-transferase (GST) aumentou no fígado e rim após 7 e 14 dias, o conteúdo de ácido ascórbico diminuiu no fígado, córtex e hipocampo somente no tratamento mais longo. Da mesma forma, os tióis não-proteicos (NPSH) e poder antioxidante usando ferro reduzido (FRAP) diminuíram no fígado, rim, córtex e hipocampo somente após 14 dias de exposição. A peroxidação lipídica determinada através das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) aumentou no tratamento de 7 dias somente no hipocampo, e após 14 dias de exposição à AFB1+ASP ocorreu aumento deste marcador no fígado, rim, córtex e hipocampo. Observamos uma redução na imunorreatividade da SOD-2 no hipocampo após o tratamento com AFB1 ou ASP. Pode-se concluir que a administração de AFB1 e ASP alteram parâmetros oxidativos no fígado, rim, córtex cerebral e hipocampo, tanto isolados como associados, além de promover mudanças nos parâmetros relacionados à depressão e ansiedade analisados nos estes de campo aberto, bolinhas e borrifagem de sacarose. Desta forma, salientamos a importância do conhecimento dos efeitos tóxicos e do sinergismo que pode ocorrer entre estes componentes alimentares, os quais podem ser capazes de promover um desequilíbrio e assim acometer e/ou facilitar o desenvolvimento de doenças.

In this paper, we have studied the in vitro binding of neotame (NTM), an artificial sweetener, with native calf thymus DNA using different methods including spectrophotometric, spectrofluorometric, competition experiment, circular dichroism (CD), and viscosimetric techniques. From the spectrophotometric studies, the binding constant (

Erythritol is a dietary sweetener that is used for low-calorie or diabetic diets. Although safe for human consumption, erythritol is lethal to certain Dipteran pests, but insecticidal effects of erythritol on phloem-feeding insects have yet to be examined. Our goal was to determine whether erythritol has insecticidal activity against pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Foerster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). We first demonstrated that ingestion of erythritol solutions compared with water by pear psylla caused reduced feeding, impaired motor functions, and reduced survival time of adults. We then tested whether foliar treatment of pear leaves with erythritol was also lethal to pear psylla. Foliar treatment of erythritol led to reduced 3-d survival of pear psylla nymphs and adults, and reduced rates of oviposition by pear psylla adults. Psylla adults also preferred to settle on untreated leaves than on erythritol-treated leaves in preference assays. Finally, we conducted field experiments to test whether applications of erythritol provided pear trees with protection against pear psylla under natural field conditions. Those experiments showed a reduction in pear psylla nymphs on erythritol-treated trees compared with untreated trees, but only if the erythritol was completely dissolved into solution by heating. Laboratory trials confirmed the importance of heating. Results of our experiments demonstrate that erythritol is insecticidal to pear psylla nymphs and adults and provide the first report that erythritol is lethal to a phloem-feeding insect. These findings suggest that erythritol may provide a new safe and effective tool for the management of pear psylla.

International audience; There is a general consensus that overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to the prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Whether a similar relationship exists for no- or low-calorie “diet” drinks is a subject of intensive debate and controversy. Here, we demonstrate that consuming seven sucralose-sweetened beverages with, but not without, a carbohydrate over 10 days decreases insulin sensitivity in healthy human participants, an effect that correlates with reductions in midbrain, insular, and cingulate responses to sweet, but not sour, salty, or savory, taste as assessed with fMRI. Taste perception was unaltered and consuming the carbohydrate alone had no effect. These findings indicate that consumption of sucralose in the presence of a carbohydrate rapidly impairs glucose metabolism and results in longer-term decreases in brain, but not perceptual sensitivity to sweet taste, suggesting dysregulation of gut-brain control of glucose metabolism.

Pigs exposed to elevated ambient temperatures exhibit reduced daily gain, alterations in muscle and fat deposition, and decreased health. Negative aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) function, integrity, and permeability also occur. High-intensity sweeteners can ameliorate the negative effects of heat stress (HS) by increasing GI glucagon-like peptide-2 production while capsicum oleoresin has been shown to reduce inflammatory response. The effects of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin (CAPS-SUC; TakTik X-Hit, Pancosma, Switzerland) on growth performance of pigs were examined. Forty-eight pigs (12 wk of age, 43.2 ± 4.3 kg) were assigned to six treatments: thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 1.1 °C; 40% to 70% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (TN+) or without supplement (TN−), heat stress (35 ± 1 °C; 20% to 40% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (HS+) or without supplement (HS−), and thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS intake with (PFTN+) or without supplement (PFTN−). Supplementation (0.1 g/kg feed) began 2 d prior to the 3-d environmental treatment period. Body weights (BWs) and blood samples were collected on days −1 and 3. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured thrice daily and the feed intake (FI) was recorded daily. Intestinal sections were collected for histology. Pigs in HS conditions exhibited increased RT (~1.2 °C) and RR (~2.7-fold) compared with TN and PFTN groups (P < 0.01). HS+ animals had increased RR when compared with HS− animals (P < 0.02). Heat stress decreased FI compared with TN. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared with TN. Supplement did not alter the BW gain. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) Gain:Feed compared with TN during environmental treatment. Supplementation with CAPS–SUC increased Gain:Feed by 0.12 (P < 0.05). Circulating glucose concentrations tended to decrease in CAPS–SUC vs. non-supplemented HS and PFTN animals (P ≤ 0.1). Circulating insulin concentrations as well as monocyte count increased in HS compared with PFTN (P < 0.04) but did not differ from TN and likely linked to altered FI. CAPS–SUC increased basophil count (P < 0.02), irrespective of environment. Ileal villus height tended to decrease during HS and PFTN compared with TN (P < 0.08), indicating an effect of intake. Overall, CAPS–SUC supplementation increased pig feed efficiency and may improve immune response.

We recently reported on fixed-path length laser-induced sound pinging (FPL-LISP) as a rapid photoacoustic technique employing an inexpensive benchtop tattoo-removal laser for reliably determining the speed of sound in low-volume fluids. In this contribution, we demonstrate the capacity of FPL-LISP to analyze representative commercial beverages for their natural or artificial sweetener contents. As a benchmark, the speed of sound was determined for solutions of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose), mock high fructose corn syrup (HFCS-55), and 12 household sweeteners (culinary sugars, syrups, honey, molasses) across the concentration range of 1-20% w/v in water, simulating the typical sweetener range found in commercial soft drinks. The setup was then employed to estimate sweetener contents of 26 popular commercial beverages using the HFCS-55 standard curve as a training data set. Our results are remarkably consistent with the label values for these representative commercial beverages, in spite of the fact that some beverages clearly employ a sweetener other than HFCS-55 or a proprietary blend, suggesting the excellent potential of the FPL-LISP setup as a quick screening tool well-suited to quality control and real-time assessment in the beverage and fermentation industrial sectors. The proposed approach represents a significant improvement over many existing methods on the basis of measurement time (down to 1 s, which can be considered real time for many applications), lenient sample requirements (tens of microliters to 1 mL), robust and user-friendly analysis, practical considerations (e.g., economical, minimal service and maintenance concerns), and prospects for advancing both online monitoring and fully portable versions of this instrumentation.

Indonesia has an intensive agro-industrial sector which evolves large volumes of residues each year. Currently, these residues are under-utilized and have a deleterious impact on the environment, Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs) in particular are highly abundant and offer good potential for conversion to bioenergy and bio-based products, in particular bioethanol and xylitol (widely used as an artificial sweetener and can substitute sugar in food and pharmaceutical industries). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the techno-economic opportunities and challenges for the wider utilization of OPEFBs for the generation of bioethanol and xylitol in Indonesia. This review highlights the significant potential for the valorization of OPEFB based on resource availability in the country (828 MWe/year or 45.86 Mt/year) and growing demand for both bioethanol (from 0.22 billion L in 2019 to 10.38 billion L in 2025) and xylitol (up to 2.20 kt in 2020). Various process configurations were explored to assess the potential for simultaneous co-production of bioethanol and xylitol. A mass balance and techno-economic assessment showed that the preferred scenario was Scenario 3 (co-production of bioethanol with xylitol and lignin) and that this has the potential to generate 46,145 kL bioethanol, 7.716 kt xylitol, and 25.704 kt lignin per year. This is significant given the limited production for both bioethanol and xylitol in the country currently. Further work is required to address challenges around technical, policy and supply chains. This work provides an original and novel strategy to support the wider adoption of commercially viable bioethanol production in Indonesia.

The artificial sweetener saccharin is available in several forms, including pure saccharin (S) and saccharin sodium salt hydrate (SSSH). Acceptance and preference relative to 2% sucrose for these two forms was assessed using both older female and young male rats. At the higher of two concentrations, ∼0.4%, SSSH was more acceptable and more greatly preferred over 2% sucrose than was a similar concentration of S, whereas little difference between the two forms was detected at the lower concentration, ∼0.1%. These results indicate the importance for researchers of care in choosing and reporting the form of saccharin they use.

Sucralose (SUC) is ubiquitously present in aquatic ecosystems in many parts of the world, owing to its widespread usage and ineffective elimination in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the mineralization of SUC in aqueous solution via UV/O3 process and found that SUC can be mineralized efficiently. Effect of several operating parameters like solution pH, O3 concentration, gas flow rate and initial SUC concentration, on TOC removal were explored. Results indicated that the mineralization efficiency of SUC reached almost 90% in 120 min after UV/O3 treatment at neutral pH. The intensity of hydroxyl radicals generated in sole O3 and UV/O3 processes were compared using the fluorescence spectra analysis. Toxicity tests carried out using Daphnia Magna indicated that the UV/O3 process under the used experimental conditions was much more effective in the detoxification of the SUC solution than sole O3 process. The presence of inorganic anion like NO3− exhibited an enhancement on the mineralization rate, while Cl− showed some positive effect at low concentration (1 mM) but inhibited SUC mineralization at higher concentrations (10–200 mM). Finally, the intermediates produced in UV/O3 process were identified by LC-MS analysis and a possible transformation pathway was briefly discussed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodegradability of the artificial sweetener saccharin in surface waters and groundwater. Artificial sweeteners are generally persistent under environmental conditions and have been recently classified as emerging pollutants. Biodegradability in three surface waters and one groundwater was tested: the rivers Ljubljanica, Pivka, and Unica, and the groundwater Planina Cave (river Pivka). Under environmentally relevant conditions, saccharin degraded well in hypertrophic water (98%, 14 days) due to high concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. There was a longer lag phase and biodegradation time compared to the optimum conditions achieved in the standardized laboratory test. It has been concluded that saccharin is biodegradable in natural waters if said waters contain enough microorganisms and nutrients.

A gas-phase study on the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and dulcitol has been carried out for the first time by using a combination of chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy and laser ablation (LA). The isolation conditions provided by the supersonic expansion reveal the intrinsic conformational structures of these sweeteners. The three and five observed conformers for sorbitol and dulcitol, respectively, are stabilized by networks of cooperative intramolecular hydrogen bonds between vicinal hydroxyl groups in clockwise or counterclockwise arrangements. Suitable places in the structure of seven out of eight conformers identified for both polyalcohols meet the requirements of the glucophore proposed by Shallenberger and Acree's molecular theory of sweet taste. Present results provide the first linkage between sweetness and structure in sugar alcohols.

Food addtives plays an important role in the production of beverages to improve the quality, taste and shelf life of beverages products significantly. Saccharin is widely used as artificial sweetener in soft drinks manufacturing industries, including branded soft drinks with plastic packaging. The purpose of this research was to determine the levels of saccharin in branded soft drinks with plastic packaging sold at Pasar Kodim Pekanbaru. The samples were collected by purposive random sampling. five samples were analyzed by qualitative test using resorcinol reagent and quantitative test with alkalimetric titration methods. The qualitative test showed that all samples were positive for saccharin indicated by the changes of color turning green fluorescence. The level of saccharin in the samples ranged between 160 – 580 mg/kg of ingredients. The higest levels of saccharin (580 mg/kg) was assayed in sample E, and the smallest level ( 160 mg/kg)was assayed in sample B and C. According to Permenkes no.722/Menkes/Per/IX/1988 concerning food additives, maximal saccharin levels allowed in soft drink was 300 mg/kg of ingredients or 5 mg/kg of body weight. Only one sample (sample E) exceeded the limit of maximal saccharin levels allowed in soft drink. Samples A, B, C, dan D that had been tested could be considered as safe to be consumed, but the daily intake should be in caution.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries has continued to be the major oral disease in the past, as well as the present scenario. Cariogenic sugars in the presence of specific bacteria Streptococcus mutans over a period have been attributed as the major etiologic agent for dental caries. The association between sugar consumption and dental caries has been well documented. AIM: Hence, the dental profession shares an interest in the search for safe, palatable sugar substitutes. METHODS: Therefore, the use of a suitable sugar substitute can help in combating dental caries. RESULTS: Out of the various sugar substitutes available, xylitol is the most widely used. It is available in various forms. It decreases the plaque formation, bacterial adherence and inhibits the growth of Mutans Streptococci. CONCLUSION: This article provides a comprehensive review of the sugar substitutes, present-day availability, role in the prevention of dental caries and their safety concerns.

ObjectiveExperts recommend that products containing artificial sweeteners are not marketed to children or sold at schools. The present study aimed to provide a baseline assessment of the extent to which state laws and local school district wellness policies (LWP) address restrictions on the use of artificial sweeteners in competitive foods and beverages (CF&B) sold at schools.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional study of policies in place for the 2014–15 school year.SettingData were collected on laws in all fifty states and Washington, DC. LWP were compiled for 496/518 school food authorities (SFA) for which data were collected as part of the US Department of Agriculture’s School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study.SubjectsState laws and LWP respectively were coded on a 0–3 ordinal scale for the strength of their restrictions on artificial sweeteners in CF&B sold in each of five CF&B venues, separately by grade level. Prevalence of state laws and LWP for SFA nationwide was computed.ResultsThirteen states addressed the use of artificial sweeteners. Six states addressed the use of artificial sweeteners in both CF&B. District-level artificial sweetener policies were most frequently addressed for beverages in elementary schools’ vending machines. District policies also were more likely to address artificial sweeteners in states with laws addressing artificial sweeteners.ConclusionsMost state laws and LWP do not address artificial sweeteners in CF&B. This is not surprising given the Food and Drug Administration has approved eight artificial sweeteners for consumption and the Smart Snacks regulation does not limit artificial sweeteners for CF&B.

Caloric sweetener sucrose is an essential component of modern diet. However sucrose diet has an adverse effect on body weight and is associated with medical complications. So, substituting sucrose with low calorie sweeteners either synthetic as aspartame or natural as stevia is an efficacious weight management strategy. In the present investigation, total numbers of 64 albino rats were divided into four groups: the first group served as control receiving distilled water. The second group represented the sucrose group receiving 10 % sucrose solution (weight by volume). The third group served as aspartame group receiving aspartame (75 mg/kg body weight). The fourth group represented stevia group and received stevia (40 mg/kg body weight). Rats were subjected to different experimental regimens for two durations, short duration (30 days) and long duration (90 days). Histological investigation of liver sections from aspartame treated rats revealed fatty degeneration, necrosis of hepatic cells, dilatation and congestion of the central blood vessels with distortion of normal lobular architecture with increase in collagenous fibers while stevia treatment illustrated preserved normal hepatic pattern. Histochemical staining of Best Carmine stain and bromophenol blue in liver tissue revealed significant decrease in glycogen content and protein content respectively in liver aspartame group followed by sucrose group. On the other hand, image analysis of liver sections stained with Sudan III demonstrated significant elevation in fat content in sections from aspartame treated group followed by sucrose group when compared to control group. Stevia administration revealed no histological or histochemical changes in the liver tissue sections compared to control group.

Improving taste and tuning physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) by forming new salts or cocrystals with an artificial sweetener, such as saccharine (Sac) and acesulfame (Acs), is an effective crystal engineering strategy for facilitating successful delivery of bitter drugs. However, the number of reported solid forms of Acs is curiously lower (29) than that of Sac (275). An analysis of the literature revealed that the preparation of salts or cocrystals of Acs was hindered by the difficulty and cost in preparing Acs free acid from commercially available potassium salt (Acs-K). Here, we evaluated the broad applicability of an anion exchange reaction for preparing Acs solid forms using nine model compounds. In all cases, we successfully prepared Acs crystals, based on single crystal structure determination, simply from ion exchange between Acs-K and corresponding salts. The proton transfer propensity, hydrogen-bonding pattern, and amide group keto–enol tautomerism in the Acs ...

Food palatability and caloric content are crucial factors in guiding diet choice and amount consumed; as a result, sweet caloric tastes are associated with a positive hedonic value. Recent evidence in rodents indicates that consumption of artificial (non-caloric) sweeteners, in which sweet taste is dissociated from normal caloric consequences, could induce changes in energy and body weight regulation, suggesting that sweeteners not only modify intake and appetitive behavior, but could also change taste-learning processes. Particularly, there are different properties in some artificial sweeteners, like saccharin, that might differ from sugar in the reward responses that, after long-term consumption, could also be associated with the inability to learn new negative consequences related to the same taste. Thus, the main goal of this study was to determine, in adult rats, the effects of long-term consumption (14 days) of sugar or saccharin, on taste preference, on new aversive learning, i.e. latent inhibition (LI) of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), and appetitive taste re-learning after aversive taste associations. The results showed that 14 days' exposure to sugar, but not to saccharin, induced a significant increment in the LI of CTA and that taste preference is rapidly recovered during the next 3 days (e.g. CTA extinctions), indicating that long-term sugar consumption significantly accelerates aversive memory extinction during appetitive re-learning of a specific sweet taste; furthermore, high familiarization to sugar, but not to saccharin, promotes appetitive learning for the same taste. Overall, the results indicate that long-term consumption of sugar, but not saccharin, produces changes in appetitive re-learning and suggests that long-term sugar consumption could trigger escalating consumption due to the inability to learn new negative consequences associated with the same taste.