Phase One investigation in SWEET Project WP2 published in Appetite

A new manuscript was published this week, describing some outcomes from the EU funded SWEET Project (https://sweetproject.eu/). This research was part of Work Package 2 Phase 1, in which investigators studied the effects of consuming different sweetener blends in beverages compared to consuming sucrose (the chemical name for sugar). They looked at the glycemic response, appetite sensations, and safety outcomes.

Researchers examined three different blends: mogroside V and Stevia RebM; stevia RebA and thaumatin; and sucralose and acesulfame-potassium (ace-K). All of the blends reduced the insulin peak after consumption of a carbohydrate-rich meal when compared to sucrose.

Blends containing Stevia Reb A-Thaumatin and Sucralose-Acesulfame-K also reduced the glucose peak.

All of the blends were similarly safe to sucrose, and no differences were observed in blood triglycerides or hepatic transaminases. Although there were some small changes in blood cholesterol levels after consuming some blends, these changes amounted to less than 4% and were associated with spontaneous fluctuations across participants.

Collaborators from several universities and research institutions, including the University of Navarra, University of Liverpool, University of Copenhagen, University of Leeds, University of Surrey, Bioiatriki, and Cargill R&D, worked together on this research. Their collaboration was a successful example of the work undertaken within this large consortium.