Acute and Prolonged Effects of Sweeteners and Sweetness Enhancers on Postprandial Appetite Sensations, Palatability, and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Humans, a SWEET Sub-Study

Background/Objectives: Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) have been proposed to potentially impair appetite regulation by stimulating sweet taste receptors beyond the perception of sweetness, similar to caloric sweeteners. The evidence is, however, not clear. Methods: This sub-study investigated the acute effects of a mixture of acesulfame potassium and cyclamate (Ace-K/Cyc) versus water on postprandial appetite sensations and energy intake at baseline, after a 2-month weight loss period, and after a 4–month weight loss maintenance period, including (S&SE group) or ex-cluding S&SEs (Sugar group) in the diet. A total of 26 participants (18-65 years; BMI≥25.0 kg/m2) were recruited from the 1-year randomized controlled SWEET trial. Subjective appetite sensations were measured via visual analogue scales fasting and 9 times during a 250-minute postprandial period. During this period first a standardized breakfast (0-10 minutes) and 2 hours later a test drink containing either Ace-K/Cyc or water (120-130 minutes) were given. After 265 minutes, an ad libitum test meal was served. Results: The S&SEs group rated lower feelings of hunger, prospective con-sumption, and desire to eat something sweet after the test drink with Ace-K/Cyc com-pared to the Sugar group consuming water (p< 0.05). This was true for all 3 test days. Adjusting for taste of the test drinks removed the differences for hunger. Ad libitum energy intake did not differ (p>0.05). Conclusions: Ace-K/Cyc compared to water re-duced feelings of prospective consumption and desire to eat something sweet acutely, after 2 months weight loss, and after 4 months weight loss maintenance.