6 Apr 2010 --- A new study published in the March 2010 journal, Appetite, concludes that low-calorie sweeteners do not increase hunger levels or cause people to eat more food. In fact, subjects who received the sugar substitutes consumed significantly fewer calories and there was no difference in hunger levels despite having fewer calories overall.

The researchers noted, “In conclusion, participants did not compensate by eating more at either their lunch or dinner meal and reported similar levels of satiety when they consumed lower calorie preloads containing stevia or aspartame than when they consumed higher calorie preloads containing sucrose.”

This study was conducted in both healthy and overweight adults and participants were given a pre-meal containing either sucrose, aspartame or stevia. Those who received the stevia or aspartame consumed fewer calories overall, did not overeat and did not report increased feelings of hunger.

“Although the totality of the scientific evidence demonstrates that low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them are not related to weight gain, increased hunger or over-eating, there have been recent reports that have questioned the benefits of low-calorie sweeteners,” notes Beth Hubrich a dietitian with the Calorie Control Council. “When used as part of an overall healthy diet, low-calorie sweeteners and light products containing them can be beneficial tools in helping people control caloric intake and weight. This human study, in addition to the many others, serves as a counter to the recent allegations from epidemiological studies (which cannot show cause and effect) and studies performed in a small number of rats,” adds Hubrich.

This study also builds upon a recent 2009 meta-analysis (evaluating 224 studies) published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and conducted by Mattes and Popkin. These researchers note, “A critical review of the literature, addressing the mechanisms by which non-nutritive [low-calorie] sweeteners may promote energy intake, reveals that none are substantiated by the available evidence.” More than 194 million Americans are consuming low-calorie and reduced-calorie foods and beverages, according to the Calorie Control Council’s most recent national consumer survey. The Council, a non-profit trade association, has noted that this number will likely continue to rise as more consumers begin to understand that "calories count" for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Anton, S et al. Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. Appetite. advance online publication March 2010; doi:10.1016/j.appet.2010.03.009

www.caloriecontrol.org