Enteroendocrine, Pancreatic, and Adipocyte Hormonal Response After the Ingestion of Cola Beverages With Sucrose and Non-nutritive Sweeteners in Healthy Adults. Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has been increasing in recent years, as an alternative to replace sugars and reduce the additional intake of carbohydrates, with the idea of reducing the risk of developing obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. However, recent evidence shows that their chronic intake induces endocrine alterations that may have an important contribution to the increase in body weight. Few studies have explored the acute effects of NNS beverage consumption on endocrine response, and to date, the evidence has been inconsistent regarding post-drinking effects and potential health risks.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 3 different types of cola beverages, compared with carbonated water, on glucose, insulin, glucagon, and appetite-regulating hormones during the first 120 minutes after ingestion.

Methods: A triple-blind, randomized crossover controlled trial was carried out in which 20 healthy adult individuals (10 men and 10 women) were included. With a washout period of one week (7 days) and fasting for 8 hours, each participant consumed orally 355 mL of carbonated water (CAR), and the 3 different cola beverages sweetened with sucrose (SUC), aspartame/acesulfame K (ASP), and sucrose/stevia (STE), in its commercial presentation. The serum levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, GIP, PYY, leptin, pancreatic polypeptide, and ghrelin were determined during the administration of each one of the drinks before the intake of the drink and later at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.

Statistical analysis: A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. The global response of glucose, insulin and appetite-regulating hormones was estimated and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was obtained using a trapezoidal model and analyzed for each outcome by one-factor ANOVA. An ANOVA for repeated measures was performed considering treatment and time as factors, and comparisons were made with the carbonated water as a control using the Bonferroni test. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Ethical considerations: Our institution's Research, Bioethics, and Biosafety committees authorized the project. All the participants were informed about the objective, the procedures, and the possible adverse effects considered within the study, and they signed the informed consent before the start of the interventions.