Data suggests that the increased rates of obesity seen in Western nations mirror the increase in the consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks, particularly those containing high fructose corn syrup. In response to criticism, the manufacturers of soft drink have aggressively marketed artificially sweetened drinks, as low or no energy alternatives. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is added to such low or no-calorie diet drinks, but increases in its use is of concern because of possible links to neurological problems. Recent evidence suggests that aspartame is a possible mutagenic substance, as animal experiments feeding high concentrations to rodents have reported significant increases in rates of brain tumours, when compared to animals administered water controls. Despite the possible health implications, aspartame continues to be used as an alternative sweetener. However, evidence that its use is actually associated with increase energy consumption adds an ironic twist.
For example, researchers1 have compared the effects of aspartame and sucrose-sweetened drinks on the energy intakes of 14 female student. The students were selected because they showed eating restraint and were not overweight. Subjects consumed four 330 mL drinks sweetened with either aspartame or sucrose, or a carbonated mineral water control, and were allowed access to ad libitum pre-prepared meals of various foods. When energy intakes were assessed through pre-weighing of food and recording of consumption, it was observed that those consuming the sugar sweetened drinks had a lower energy intake, when compared to those consuming the aspartame sweetened drinks. When the energy of the sucrose in the drinks was considered, the total energy intake did not differ significantly. However, the following day, the energy intakes of those consuming the aspartame sweetened drinks were considerably higher than both the water or sucrose groups.
These results suggest that aspartame does not cause a decrease in energy intake, and may actually increase energy consumption, when compared to sucrose. This contention is supported by studies that have reported orectic effects for aspartame. For example, in a letter published in the lancet in 19862, the authors suggested that aspartame stimulated the appetite of healthy young adult subjects, when compared to a water control. The results from their study showed that this may result through ambiguous signalling relating to appetite control following aspartame consumption. Therefore those who consume aspartame sweetened drinks may consume more energy that those who consume sugar sweetened drinks containing significant calories as sugar. However, although evidence suggest that aspartame may stimulate short-term appetite, less is known about its long term orectic effects. Less data is also available for other foods containing aspartame, as most research has been performed on drinks.
RdB
