Sweeteners and metabolic syndrome

B. Gassmann, Nuthetal

While the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and each of its components is complex and not well understood, visceral obesity and insulin resistance are regarded as the essential causative factors. Current scientific discussions focus on fructose as lipogenetic food component and on non-nutritive sweeteners used for reducing total energy intake.

Despite a number of studies showing that fructose intake leads to weight gain and hyperlipidemia in animals, and a correlation between fructose intake and increase in overweight and obesity found in epidemiological studies, there is no convincing evidence for a causal relationship of these phenomena in humans. But in view of a worldwide rise in fructose consumption over the last decades, especially in fructose contained in beverages, fructose is likely to be one causal factor for the rapidly increasing number of obese patients.

Whether and in which way a fructose-induced increase in body fat is mediated through neuroendocrine systems regulating energy balance including modified hormone secretion patterns remains to be answered. Non-nutritive sweeteners in beverages may reduce weight gains and lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. In mice, soft drinks containing Aspartame, sodium cyclamate and sodium saccharine seemed to stimulate insulin secretion but did not increase energy intake and body weight.

A scientific institute in Bologna recently reported a dose-related increase in lymphomas and leukaemias in female rats fed an Aspartame containing diet. The data are presently evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority in the light of the previous data of aspartame. A supposed intoxication by formaldehyde/formiate is not convincing and difficult to believe.

Key words: Metabolic syndrome / fructose and lipogenesis / artificial sweeteners for reducing energy intake / safety of aspartame

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 12/05 ab Seite 476.