Effect of moderate intake of sweeteners on metabolic health in the rat

Abstract

The rise in prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease has been linked to increased consumption of fructose-containing foods or beverages. Our aim was to compare the effects of moderate consumption of fructose-containing and non-caloric sweetened beverages on feeding behavior, metabolic and serum lipid profiles, and hepatic histology and serum liver enzymes, in rats. Behavioral tests determined preferred (12.5–15%) concentrations of solutions of agave, fructose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a combination of HFCS and Hoodia (a putative appetite suppressant), or the non-caloric sweetener Stevia (n=5/gp). HFCS intake was highest, in preference and self-administration tests. Groups (n=10/gp) were then assigned to one of the sweetened beverages or water as the sole source of liquid at night (3 nights/wk, 10wks). Although within the normal range, serum cholesterol was higher in the fructose and HFCS groups, and serum triglycerides were higher in the Agave, HFCS, and HFCS/Hoodia groups (vs. water-controls, p<0.05). Liver histology was normal in all groups with no evidence of steatosis, inflammation, or fibrosis; however serum alanine aminotransferase was higher in the fructose and HFCS groups (vs. water-controls, p<0.05). Serum inflammatory marker levels were comparable among Stevia, agave, fructose, HFCS, and water-consuming groups, however levels of IL-6 were significantly lower in association with the ingestion of Hoodia. There were no differences in terminal body weights, or glucose tolerance assessed by 120-min IVGTTs performed at the end of the 10-week regimen. We conclude that even moderate consumption of fructose-containing liquids may lead to the onset of unfavorable changes in the plasma lipid profile and one marker of liver health, independent of significant effects of sweetener consumption on body weight.

Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Fraction from Psacalium decompositum on Inflammation and Dyslipidemia in Rats with Fructose-Induced Obesity

“…Recent studies confirm changes in plasma lipid profile, with no apparent weight gain after 10 weeks of intermittent access to fructose solution 12.5% [21]. Body fat gain can lead to chronic changes in leptin and insulin sensitivity, through the loss of hormonal satiety signals [22,23,24].…”

Effects of Agave Nectar Versus Sucrose on Weight Gain, Adiposity, Blood Glucose, Insulin, and Lipid Responses in Mice

“…4 The juice from the agave plant is heated or enzymatically treated to hydrolyze the complex carbohydrates to sugars, and then it is concentrated into a syrup. 5 During the cooking process, much of the inulin, the principal polysaccharide from the agave core, is enzyme or acid hydrolyzed and converted to free sugars, mainly fructose. 6,7 Due to the high concentration of fructose (typically 90%), agave nectar is often advertised as a low glycemic option to refined sugar and marketed toward diabetics.…”

“…6,7 Due to the high concentration of fructose (typically 90%), agave nectar is often advertised as a low glycemic option to refined sugar and marketed toward diabetics. 5 However, research supporting the beneficial health benefits of agave nectar is limited.…”

“…Agave syrup may contain beneficial antioxidant nutrients, trace elements, or phytochemicals that are not present in highly refined sweeteners. 5 Currently, there are no studies comparing the metabolic effects of an agave nectar-based diet versus a sucrose-based diet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the influences of feeding an agave nectar-based diet versus sucrose-based diet for 34 days on weight gain, adiposity, plasma blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels in young, weanling mice.…”

Phenolic content of honey reduces in vitro starch digestibility

“…Evidence suggests that de novo hepatic lipogenesis is increased with a high consumption of this monosaccharide (FAO 1998;Ouyang et al 2008). In murine models, it has also been observed that the lipid and liver metabolism changes indicate that even moderate fructose consumption might contribute to the onset or development of the metabolic syndrome, independently of significant effects on body weight (Figlewicz et al 2009). Nevertheless, there is also some evidence that the consumption of fructose with fruits or honey does not produce the same adverse metabolic effects as added fructose.…”