Sucralose and Glucose Metabolism in Young Healthy Adults

Summary

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a three-week consumption of sucralose-sweetened beverages (low-calorie sweetener) on postprandial glycemic responses in healthy adults, compared with sugar-sweetened beverages under real-world conditions. In brief, postprandial glycemic responses are used as an indicator of how your body manages blood sugar levels after consuming glucose. To explore potential mechanisms underlying any observed changes in postprandial glycemic responses, we further investigated potential alterations in gut microbiota composition and functionality, as well as plasmatic biomarkers of intestinal permeability and systemic low-grade inflammation. Finally, this project explored whether free sugars derived from a natural source (100% natural fruit juice) elicit metabolic responses that differ from those of refined sugars.

Participants visited the laboratory for a preliminary screening session to assess eligibility prior to being randomly assigned to one of the three experimental groups consuming either sucralose-sweetened beverages (LCS), sucrose-sweetened beverages (SSB), or 100% natural fruit juice (FJ) at dosage approximating real-world consumption over three weeks. Participants underwent two experimental sessions (duration of 3 hours each) at the beginning and completion of the study as outlined below.

Conditions

• Glucose Intolerance
• Glucose and Insulin Response
• Glucose Homeostasis
• Low-grade Inflammation
• Intestinal Permeability
• Gut Microbiota Diversity and Composition
• Gut Microbiota Modulation
• Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis
• Gut Microbiota
• Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Nutrition
• Insulin Resistance
• Insulin Sensitivity/Resistance
• Insulin Sensitivity

Interventions

OTHER

Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS)

Consumption of sucralose-sweetened beverages (LCS) using doses and formulations reflecting real-world conditions. Individualized dose equivalent volume (mL) to SSB group. Average dose received of 150 mg (±30 mg) of pure sucralose per day (2.00 ± 0.23 mg/Kg BW) among participants, which is below Acceptable Daily Intake for sucralose (5 mg/Kg BW/day). LCS matched for sweetness to SSB based on the manufacturer's information.

OTHER

Refined sugars (SSB)

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) using doses and formulations reflecting real-world conditions. Individualized dose of 15% Ereq representing estimated free sugars consumption in Canada. SSB matched total free sugar concentration of 100% natural orange juice (FJ).

OTHER

Natural sugars (FJ)

Consumption of natural fruit juice (100% natural orange juice) using doses and formulations reflecting real-world conditions. Individualized dose of 15% Ereq representing estimated free sugars consumption in Canada.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Ottawa

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-03-16

Primary Completion

2024-06-12

Completion

2024-06-12

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations