The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners (AFS) on Sweetness Sensitivity and Preference - Pilot

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that repeated consumption of artificial sweetener reduces sweet taste intensity.

Detailed Description
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Significant controversy surrounds the possibility that consumption of artificial sweeteners (AFS) leads to weight gain. Some studies have found correlations between AFS use and weight gain and/or diabetes [1-4] while others have indicated that AFSs may aid in weight loss [5] or have no effects on body mass index (BMI) [6]. In rats, exposure to AFS leads to reduced chow intake following a sweet preload [7, 8], higher body weight [9, 10] and increased glucose responses and decreased GLP1 release following an oral glucose tolerance test [11] compared to exposure to caloric sweeteners. Given that the five FDA approved AFSs are found in thousands of foods [12] this marks a clear and significant gap in knowledge. Our preliminary data demonstrate a 3-fold decrease in sweet taste sensitivity following consumption of a beverage sweetened with two packets of Splenda for just 10 days. These data provide strong evidence that repeated exposure to sucralose reduces perception of sweet taste intensity, most likely by down-regulation of the sweet taste receptor. Therefore, it is imperative that we gain a greater understanding of the consequences of AFS use, since alterations in sweet taste perception that occur in response to AFS exposure may promote weight gain.

Official Title
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The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners (AFS) on Sweetness Sensitivity and Preference - Pilot Study

Conditions
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Impairment of Oral Perception

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Sucralose
* Dietary Supplement: Sucrose


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: History of oral nerve damage, presence of known taste or smell disorder, food allergies or sensitivities (for example nuts, lactose, artificial sweeteners), history of CNS disease, diabetes, history of DSM-IV major psychiatric disorder, including alcohol and substance abuse, chronic use of medication that may affect taste, conditions that may interfere with gustatory or olfactory perception (colds, seasonal allergies, recent smoking history), aberrant stimulus ratings, contra-indication for fMRI, uncomfortable swallowing in supine position.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Sucralose<br>Participants will rate sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness and umami intensity of various taste stimuli. Next they will consume a flavored beverage with sucralose. | Dietary Supplement: Sucralose<br>* 2 packets per 12 fl oz<br>|
| Experimental: Sucrose<br>Participants will rate sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness and umami intensity of various taste stimuli. Next they will consume a flavored beverage with sucrose. | Dietary Supplement: Sucrose<br>* equisweet to sucralose<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ratings of taste sensitivity | general labeled magnitude scale ratings of taste intensity | up to one week after intervention |