Non-sugar sweeteners are extremely popular because people assume they will help them lose weight. A new study presented at the Endocrine Society’s 99th annual meeting seems to contradicts that idea.
Non-Sugar Sweeteners May Change Metabolism:
Test tube research suggests that the artificial sweetener sucralose can alter the metabolism of stem cells from fat tissue. (Stem cells are capable of becoming many different types of tissue cells, for example, muscle or bone as well as fat.)
These human cells churned out more compounds associated with inflammation and fat storage when they were exposed to sucralose. The dose was equivalent to someone drinking four cans of diet soda a day. The stem cells also showed changes in their genes that indicate fat production.
Could Sugar-Free Drinks Be Counterproductive?
If these “in vitro” laboratory results hold up in animals and humans, heavy consumption of non-sugar sweeteners could lead to fat accumulation rather than fat and weight loss. The scientists also discovered other signs of metabolic disruption due to non-sugar sweeteners. They are concerned that these changes were most noticeable in people who are already overweight or obese. The researchers note:
“we believe that low-calorie sweeteners promote additional fat formation by allowing more glucose to enter the cells, and promotes inflammation, which may be more detrimental in obese individuals.”
Sen et al, Endocrine Society annual meeting, Orlando, FL, April 3, 2017
1/3/19 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/are-non-sugar-sweeteners-a-healthy-choice/
