Data concerning effects of aspartame on main metabolic variables associated to diabetes and obesity do not support a beneficial related to its consumption
ABSTRACT Data about harms or benefits associated with the consumption of aspartame , a nonnutritive sweetener worldwide consumed , are still controversial .
This systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials aim ed to assess the effect of aspartame consumption on  metabolic parameters related to diabetes and obesity .
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of human hypothalamic responses to sweet taste and calories.
BACKGROUND Evidence exists that beverages do not trigger appropriate anticipatory physiologic responses , such as cephalic phase insulin release . Therefore , it is of interest to eluci date the food properties necessary for triggering adaptive responses . Previously , we found a prolonged dose-dependent decrease in the hypothalamic functional magnetic resonance imaging signal after ingestion of a glucose solution . OBJECTIVES The aims of the present study were to measure the effects of sweet taste and energy content on the hypothalamic response to glucose ingestion and to measure the concomitant changes in blood glucose and insulin concentrations . DESIGN Five healthy , normal-weight men participated in a r and omized crossover design trial . The subjects were scanned 4 times for 37 min on separate days with functional magnetic resonance imaging . After 7 min , they ingested 1 of the following 4 stimuli ( 300 mL of each ) : water ( control ) , a glucose solution , an aspartame ( sweet taste ) solution , or a maltodextrin ( nonsweet carbohydrate ) solution . RESULTS Glucose ingestion result ed in a prolonged and significant signal decrease in the upper hypothalamus ( P < 0.05 ) . Water , aspartame , and maltodextrin had no such effect . Glucose and maltodextrin ingestions result ed in similar increases in blood glucose and insulin concentrations . However , only glucose triggered an early rise in insulin concentrations . Aspartame did not trigger any insulin response . CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that both sweet taste and energy content are required for a hypothalamic response . The combination of sweet taste and energy content could be crucial in triggering adaptive responses to sweetened beverages
Data concerning effects of aspartame on main metabolic variables associated to diabetes and obesity do not support a beneficial related to its consumption
ABSTRACT Data about harms or benefits associated with the consumption of aspartame , a nonnutritive sweetener worldwide consumed , are still controversial .
This systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials aim ed to assess the effect of aspartame consumption on  metabolic parameters related to diabetes and obesity .