Acute Metabolic Responses to Glucose and Fructose Supplementation in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind Randomized Crossover Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of glucose (Glu), fructose (Fru), glucose and fructose (GluFru) and sucralose on blood glucose response in healthy individuals. Fifteen healthy individuals (five females, age of 25.4 ± 2.5 years, BMI of 23.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2 with a body mass (BM) of 76.3 ± 12.3 kg) participated in this double-blind randomized crossover placebo-controlled trial. Participants received a mixture of 300 mL of water with 1 g/kg BM of Glu, 1 g/kg BM of Fru, 0.5 g/kg BM of GluFru (each), and 0.2 g sucralose as a placebo. Peak BG values Glu were reached after 40 ± 13 min (peak BG: 141 ± 20 mg/dL), for Fru after 36 ± 22 min (peak BG: 98 ± 7 mg/dL), for GluFru after 29 ± 8 min (BG 128 ± 18 mg/dL), and sucralose after 34 ± 27 min (peak BG: 83 ± 5 mg/dL). Significant differences regarding the time until peak BG were found only between Glu and GluFru supplementation (p = 0.02). Peak blood glucose levels were significantly lower following the ingestion of Fru compared to the supplementation of Glu and GluFru (p < 0.0001) while Glu and GluFru supplementation showed no difference in peak values (p = 0.23). All conditions led to a significantly higher peak BG value compared to sucralose (p < 0.0001). Blood lactate increased in Glu (p = 0.002), Fru and GluFru (both p < 0.0001), whereas sucralose did not increase compared to the baseline (p = 0.051). Insulin levels were significantly higher in all conditions at peak compared to sucralose (p < 0.0001). The findings of this study prove the feasibility of combined carbohydrate supplementations for many applications in diabetic or healthy exercise cohorts.

Evaluation of Mogroside V as a Promising Carrier in Drug Delivery: Improving the Bioavailability and Liver Distribution of Silybin.

The objective of this work was to investigate the capacity of mogroside V (MOG-V), a food additive, as a novel carrier to improve the bioavailability and liver distribution of silybin (SLY). Solid dispersion particles (SDPs) of SLY/MOG-V were prepared utilizing the solvent evaporation method. The physicochemical characterizations of SDPs were evaluated by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements. DLS results demonstrated the formation of nanoparticles (206 nm) of SDPs in water. DSC and PXRD analysis revealed that SLY was in amorphous form or molecularly dispersed in SDPs. SDPs also exhibited a major increase in both dissolution rate and saturation solubility, as evidenced by a 1931-fold improvement (2201 µg/mL) in solubility compared with pure SLY (1.14 µg/mL). The pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that oral absorption of SLY/MOG-V SDPs was dramatically increased. The mean value of AUC until 12 h for SLY/MOG-V SDPs (27,481 ng·min/mL) was 24.5-fold higher than that of pure SLY (1122 ng·min/mL). In vivo tissue distribution experiment in mice confirmed that the major distribution tissue was changed from lungs to liver after SLY was loaded into MOG-V. In addition, even orally administrated to mice at a high dose (4.2 g/kg), MOG-V exhibited no undesirable effect on the plasma glucose concentrations. Thus, MOG-V may have the applicability to serve as an ideal excipient for solubilization or as a novel liver targeting carrier for the delivery of SLY.

Dietary supplementation of artificial sweetener and capsicum oleoresin as a strategy to mitigate the negative consequences of heat stress on pig performance.

Pigs exposed to elevated ambient temperatures exhibit reduced daily gain, alterations in muscle and fat deposition, and decreased health. Negative aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) function, integrity, and permeability also occur. High-intensity sweeteners can ameliorate the negative effects of heat stress (HS) by increasing GI glucagon-like peptide-2 production while capsicum oleoresin has been shown to reduce inflammatory response. The effects of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin (CAPS-SUC; TakTik X-Hit, Pancosma, Switzerland) on growth performance of pigs were examined. Forty-eight pigs (12 wk of age, 43.2 ± 4.3 kg) were assigned to six treatments: thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 1.1 °C; 40% to 70% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (TN+) or without supplement (TN-), heat stress (35 ± 1 °C; 20% to 40% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (HS+) or without supplement (HS-), and thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS intake with (PFTN+) or without supplement (PFTN-). Supplementation (0.1 g/kg feed) began 2 d prior to the 3-d environmental treatment period. Body weights (BWs) and blood samples were collected on days -1 and 3. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured thrice daily and the feed intake (FI) was recorded daily. Intestinal sections were collected for histology. Pigs in HS conditions exhibited increased RT (~1.2 °C) and RR (~2.7-fold) compared with TN and PFTN groups (P < 0.01). HS+ animals had increased RR when compared with HS- animals (P < 0.02). Heat stress decreased FI compared with TN. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared with TN. Supplement did not alter the BW gain. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) Gain:Feed compared with TN during environmental treatment. Supplementation with CAPS-SUC increased Gain:Feed by 0.12 (P < 0.05). Circulating glucose concentrations tended to decrease in CAPS-SUC vs. non-supplemented HS and PFTN animals (P ≤ 0.1). Circulating insulin concentrations as well as monocyte count increased in HS compared with PFTN (P < 0.04) but did not differ from TN and likely linked to altered FI. CAPS-SUC increased basophil count (P < 0.02), irrespective of environment. Ileal villus height tended to decrease during HS and PFTN compared with TN (P < 0.08), indicating an effect of intake. Overall, CAPS-SUC supplementation increased pig feed efficiency and may improve immune response.

Pectin-Alginate Does Not Further Enhance Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation in Running.

PURPOSE: Maximizing carbohydrate availability is important for many endurance events. Combining pectin and sodium alginate with ingested maltodextrin-fructose (MAL + FRU + PEC + ALG) has been suggested to enhance carbohydrate delivery via hydrogel formation, but the influence on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation remains unknown. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of MAL + FRU + PEC + ALG on exogenous carbohydrate oxidation during exercise compared with a maltodextrin-fructose mixture (MAL + FRU). MAL + FRU has been well established to increase exogenous carbohydrate oxidation during cycling compared with glucose-based carbohydrates (MAL + GLU). However, much evidence focuses on cycling, and direct evidence in running is lacking. Therefore, a secondary aim was to compare exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates with MAL + FRU versus MAL + GLU during running. METHODS: Nine trained runners completed two trials (MAL + FRU and MAL + FRU + PEC + ALG) in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. A subset (n = 7) also completed a MAL + GLU trial to address the secondary aim, and a water trial to establish background expired CO2 enrichment. Participants ran at 60% V˙O2peak for 120 min while ingesting either water only or carbohydrate solutions at a rate of 1.5 g carbohydrate per minute. RESULTS: At the end of 120 min of exercise, exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates were 0.9 (SD 0.5) g·min with MAL + GLU ingestion. MAL + FRU ingestion increased exogenous carbohydrate oxidation rates to 1.1 (SD 0.3) g·min (P = 0.038), with no further increase with MAL + FRU + PEC + ALG ingestion (1.1 (SD 0.3) g·min; P = 1.0). No time-treatment interaction effects were observed for plasma glucose, lactate, insulin, or nonesterified fatty acids, or for ratings of perceived exertion or gastrointestinal symptoms (all, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: To maximize exogenous carbohydrate oxidation during moderate-intensity running, athletes may benefit from consuming glucose(polymer)-fructose mixtures over glucose-based carbohydrates alone, but the addition of pectin and sodium alginate offers no further benefit.

Natural Alternative Sweeteners and Diabetes Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to discuss the data on natural alternative sweeteners and their effects on glucose homeostasis and other metabolic parameters within the past five years. We sought to answer whether common natural alternative sweeteners have a positive or negative effect on glucose control in both human and animal models, and whether the data supports their widespread use as a tool to help reduce the prevalence of diabetes and associated comorbid conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies suggest that natural alternative sweeteners may reduce hyperglycemia, improve lipid metabolism, and have antioxidant effects particularly in those that have baseline diabetes. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome have become a global healthcare crisis and the sugar overconsumption plays a major role. The use of artificial sweeteners has become more prevalent to improve insulin resistance in those with diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, although the evidence does not support this result. There are however some promising data to suggest that natural alternative sweeteners may be a better alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

A polyol-stevia blended sugar replacer exhibits low glycemic response among human subjects.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Consumption of sugars in food and beverages has increased at an alarming rate. While excessive daily sugar intake has been well-associated as the onset of medical complications, additional sugars are still used in manufactured food products just to satisfy the consumers' needs. Hence, there is a need to develop sugar replacers that have low glycemic response without compromising the organoleptic characteristics of food products. This study aimed to determine if SUITENA™, a novel sweetener containing erythritol, xylitol, and Stevia, has low glycemic response upon consumption by human subjects. METHODS: Six human subjects were randomly chosen and were healthy at the point of experimentation. Capillary blood was collected via finger-prick method to monitor the glycemic response of every individual for 90 min after ingestion of sugar solution. RESULTS: It was found that the mean area under the curve (AUC) of the dextrose standard was 11.8-fold higher (p < 0.05) than the AUC of SUITENA™. SUITENA™ was not able to increase blood glucose level for up to 90 min while a spike in blood glucose level was observed from 15 min post-consumption of dextrose solution. We found that SUITENA™ has elicited a glycemic response 8% relative to the standard. Such low glycemic response has been reported by studies on other novel sugars. CONCLUSION: This preliminary finding suggested that SUITENA™ is a healthier alternative to fast sugars due to its low glycemic response. A larger sampling size is required to confirm the results.

Obesity, Xenobiotic Intake and Antimicrobial-Resistance Genes in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract: A Comparative Study of Eutrophic, Overweight and Obese Individuals.

Although lifestyle and physiology in obese individuals are accepted to lead to changes in the intestinal microbiota, uncertainty remains about microbiota dysbiosis, and xenobiotics intake, as a source of selective pressure, independent of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genetic markers (ARG) in faecal specimens of eutrophic, overweight and obese individuals, and their correlation with xenobiotic intake and gut bacteria density. Methods: This was a cross-sectional case-controlled study including 72 adult participants with no record of intestinal or systemic diseases, or recent use of antimicrobials, grouped as eutrophic, overweight, or obese. Anthropometric profile, eating habits and oral xenobiotics intake were recorded. Faecal metagenomic DNA was used to screen for ARG by PCR, and to measure bacterial groups by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Student's t and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare means and differences in ARG detection (95% confidence intervals). Correlation analyses (odds ratio) and relationships between bacteria density and ARG were determined. Results: Increase in abdominal circumference, waist circumference, hip, waist-hip ratio, BMI, carbohydrate, fibres, and total calorie intakes were different from eutrophic to obese participants. Habitual use of antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids, and artificial sweeteners were associated mainly with obesity and overweight. Nutritional supplements were associated to the eutrophic group. ARG screening showed differences being more frequent among obese, and positive for 27 genetic markers related to ß-lactams, tetracyclines, the macrolide lincosamide and streptogramin group, quinolones, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, and efflux pump. Positive correlation between ARG and BMI, caloric intake, and intake of xenobiotics, was observed for obese individuals. Relationships among ARG detection and bacteria densities were also different. Conclusions: This study reinforces the hypothesis that obese individuals may harbour an altered gut microbiota, if compared to eutrophic. The overweight individuals display a transitional gut microbiota which seems to be between eutrophic and obese. Furthermore, the increased xenobiotic intake associated to obesity may play an important role in the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon.

Protective effects and mechanisms of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on intestinal injury and macrophage polarization in peritoneal dialysis rats.

AIM: This study was conducted to investigate the chronic injury of peritoneal glucose injection on the peritoneum and intestine and the protective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3PUFA) during peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Peritoneal dialysis animal models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% glucose for 28 days. Protein expression in ileum and peritoneum was measured by immunofloresence and immunohistochemistry. Protein expression in macrophages was measured by Western blot. Fibrosis was analyzed by Masson staining. RESULTS: Peritoneal dialysis significantly increased the structural injury and decreased junction-related protein ZO-1 and occludin expression in ileum, the expression of proteins relating to the activation of M2 (Erg2, IRF4), but not M1 (CD38, IRF5) macrophages. PD significantly increased the expression of TGF-ß1, VEGF and ALK5 protein in peritoneal tissues. PD significantly increased fibrosis (Masson staining) and the expression of fibroblast marker α-SMA in peritoneal tissues. Injection of macrophage clean reagent and ω-3PUFA significantly inhibited M2 activation, and decreased Masson staining, α-SMA, TGF-ß1, VEGF and ALK5 protein expression in peritoneal tissues in PD treated rats. ω-3PUFA injection significantly decreased PD-induced injury in ileum and normalized the expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the ileum of PD rats. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids can provide a protective role on PD-induced peritoneal fibrosis and injury of the intestine.

Metabolic characterization of two different non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pre-clinical mouse models.

INTRODUCTION: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver disorders in the developed world. Currently, there is no approved pharmacological therapy except for lifestyle intervention. Therefore, there is a need to increase the knowledge of preclinical models in order to boost novel discoveries that could lead to a better therapeutic management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this study characterized the effects of two different diets, a long-term high-fat high-fructose diet (HF-HFD) and a choline-deficient, methionine supplemented high-fat diet (CDA-HFD) in C57BL/6J mice for 52 weeks or 16 weeks, respectively. Body weight, lipid and hepatic profile were analyzed and liver histology was subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: HF-HFD animals had an increased body weight and total cholesterol levels, whereas the opposite occurred in CDA-HFD. Both HF-HFD and CDA-HFD animals had higher ALT and AST levels. With regard to histology findings, HF-HFD and CDA-HFD diets induced an increased collagen deposit and intrahepatic steatosis accumulation. CONCLUSION: in conclusion, the comparison of these models aided in the selection of a long-term, more physiological model for physiopathology studies or a more rapid NASH model for novel molecule testing.

Added Sugars and Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in a Representative Sample of Food Products Consumed by the Spanish ANIBES Study Population.

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS), intensely sweet compounds that virtually contain no calories, are used to replace added sugars in food and drinks. Knowledge about different LNCS data in Spanish foods and added sugar sources in Spain is limited, therefore our aim was to identify and compare their presence across main food groups consumed. Food and beverage products (n = 434) were obtained from the ANIBES Study (anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles), a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish population (9⁻75 years old; n = 2009) carried out in 2013. Food records were obtained from a three-day dietary record using a tablet device. Label data from 1,164 products of different brands were collected and reviewed for content of added sugars and LNCS. LNCS were present in diet soft drinks (100%), "other sweets" (89%), soya drinks (45%), and yogurt and fermented milks (18%). Added sugars were present mainly in sugar soft drinks (100%), energy drinks (96%), sports drinks (96%), bakery and pastry (100%), chocolates (100%), ice cream (100%), breakfast cereals/bars (96%) and jams (89%). Main LNCS were acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamate and sucralose. Sucrose, dextrose, glucose-fructose syrup, caramel and honey were the main added sugars. Our results show the diversity of foods groups including these ingredients. These data are not compiled in food composition databases, which should be periodically updated to include LNCS and added sugars to facilitate their assessment and monitoring in nutritional surveys.

The artificial sweetener Splenda intake promotes changes in expression of c-Fos and NeuN in hypothalamus and hippocampus of rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the result of the interaction of multiple variables, including the excessive increase of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption. Diets aimed to treat obesity have suggested the use of artificial sweeteners. However, recent evidence has shown several health deficits after intake of artificial sweeteners, including effects in neuronal activity. Therefore, the influence of artificial sweeteners consumption such as Splenda, on the expression of c-Fos and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) in hypothalamus and hippocampus remains to be determined. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects on c-Fos or NeuN expression in hypothalamus and hippocampus of Splenda-treated rats. METHODS: Splenda was diluted in water (25, 75 or 250 mg/100 mL) and orally given to rats during 2 weeks ad libitum. Next, animals were sacrificed by decapitation and brains were collected for analysis of c-Fos or NeuN immunoreactivity. RESULTS: Consumption of Splenda provoked an inverted U-shaped dose-effect in c-Fos expression in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus while similar findings were observed in dentate gyrus of hippocampus. In addition, NeuN immunoreactivity was enhanced in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus at 25 or 75 mg/100 mL of Splenda intake whereas an opposite effect was observed at 250 mg/100 mL of artificial sweetener consumption. Lastly, NeuN positive neurons were increased in CA2/CA3 fields of hippocampus from Splenda-treated rats (25, 75 or 250 mg/100 mL). CONCLUSION: Consuming Splenda induced effects in neuronal biomarkers expression. To our knowledge, this study is the first description of the impact of intake Splenda on c-Fos and NeuN immunoreactivity in hypothalamus and hippocampus in rats.

Noncaloric Sweeteners in Children: A Controversial Theme.

Noncaloric sweeteners (NCS) are food additives used to provide sweetness without adding calories. Their consumption has become more widespread around the world in all age groups, including children. The aim of this study is to show the state of the art about the intake of noncaloric sweeteners in children, as well as their benefits and consumption risk. Scientific searchers were used (PUBMED, Scopus, and Scielo) to analyze articles that included keywords (noncaloric sweeteners/saccharin/cyclamate/acesulfame potassium/aspartame/sucralose/stevia/children) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Authors conclude that it is imperative that health professionals judiciously and individually evaluate the overall benefits and risks of NCS use in consumers before recommending their use. Different subgroups of the population incorporate products containing NCS in their diet with different objectives, which should be considered when recommending a diet plan for the consumer. In childhood, in earlier age groups, this type of additives should be used as a dietary alternative when other forms of prevention in obesity are not sufficient.

Intragastric preloads of l-tryptophan reduce ingestive behavior via oxytocinergic neural mechanisms in male mice.

Human and laboratory animal studies suggest that dietary supplementation of a free essential amino acid, l-tryptophan (TRP), reduces food intake. It is unclear whether an acute gastric preload of TRP decreases consumption and whether central mechanisms underlie TRP-driven hypophagia. We examined the effect of TRP administered via intragastric gavage on energy- and palatability-induced feeding in mice. We sought to identify central mechanisms through which TRP suppresses appetite. Effects of TRP on consumption of energy-dense and energy-dilute tastants were established in mice stimulated to eat by energy deprivation or palatability. A conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm was used to assess whether hypophagia is unrelated to sickness. c-Fos immunohistochemistry was employed to detect TRP-induced activation of feeding-related brain sites and of oxytocin (OT) neurons, a crucial component of satiety circuits. Also, expression of OT mRNA was assessed with real-time PCR. The functional importance of OT in mediating TRP-driven hypophagia was substantiated by showing the ability of OT receptor blockade to abolish TRP-induced decrease in feeding. TRP reduced intake of energy-dense standard chow in deprived animals and energy-dense palatable chow in sated mice. Anorexigenic doses of TRP did not cause a CTA. TRP failed to affect intake of palatable yet calorie-dilute or noncaloric solutions (10% sucrose, 4.1% Intralipid or 0.1% saccharin) even for TRP doses that decreased water intake in thirsty mice. Fos analysis revealed that TRP increases activation of several key feeding-related brain areas, especially in the brain stem and hypothalamus. TRP activated hypothalamic OT neurons and increased OT mRNA levels, whereas pretreatment with an OT antagonist abolished TRP-driven hypophagia. We conclude that intragastric TRP decreases food and water intake, and TRP-induced hypophagia is partially mediated via central circuits that encompass OT.

Consumo actual de edulcorantes naturales (beneficios y problemática): Stevia / Current consumption of natural sweeteners (benefits and problems): Stevia

La estevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] es un arbusto de tipo perenne de la familia de las Asteraceas que crece en áreas tropicales y subtropicales de Suramérica. Hoy en día, su cultivo se ha extendido a otras regiones del mundo, incluyendo Canadá y algunas partes de Asia, Europa y México, donde sus hojas se han utilizado tradicionalmente como edulcorante natural durante cientos de años. En la actualidad, el uso potencial y las implicaciones prácticas de la estevia como un edulcorante se muestran en una serie de alimentos procesados, ya que contiene glucósidos de esteviol como ingrediente activo, que puede ser bajo o no calórico, y hasta 100-300 veces más dulce que la sacarosa. Además, las hojas secas de estevia contienen también minerales, vitaminas, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y otros compuestos antioxidantes, con propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes. Stevia acumula hasta un 30 % de los glucósidos de esteviol (SGs por su sigla en inglés) del peso seco de las hojas. El esteviósido y el rebaudiósido A son las principales SGs. Desde diciembre de 2011, los SGs (E 960) se han autorizado como aditivo alimentario y edulcorante en Estados Unidos. Su uso en diversas categorías de alimentos está regulado como por ejemplo en suplementos alimenticios y alimentos dietéticos para propósitos médicos especiales y control de peso. Sin embargo, la información ofrecida al consumidor es engañosa y dista de ser confiable. Este artículo ofrece al público interesado, datos que deben de ser evaluados al comprar productos adicionados con estevia (AU).

Stevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] is a perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family that grows in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Today its cultivation has spread to other regions of the world, including Canada and some parts of Asia, Europe and México, where its leaves have been used traditionally as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. Nowadays, the potential use and practical implications of Stevia as a sweetener are shown in a number of processed foods, because it contains steviol-glycosides, which are low- or non-caloric ingredients, up to 100­300 times sweeter than sucrose. In addition, dry Stevia leaves also contain minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Stevia accumulates up to 30% of diterpenoid steviol glycosides (SGs) of the leaf dry weight. Stevioside and rebaudioside A are the major SGs. Since December 2011, SGs (E 960) have been permitted for use as food additive and a sweetener in the United States. Its use in various food categories is regulated, e.g. food supplements and dietary foods for special medical purposes and weight control. However, the information offered to the consumers is misleading and far from reliable. This article offers the interested public, data that should be evaluated when buying products added with Stevia (AU).

Consumo actual de edulcorantes naturales (beneficios y problemática): Stevia / Current consumption of natural sweeteners (benefits and problems): Stevia

La estevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] es un arbusto de tipo perenne de la familia de las Asteraceas que crece en áreas tropicales y subtropicales de Suramérica. Hoy en día, su cultivo se ha extendido a otras regiones del mundo, incluyendo Canadá y algunas partes de Asia, Europa y México, donde sus hojas se han utilizado tradicionalmente como edulcorante natural durante cientos de años. En la actualidad, el uso potencial y las implicaciones prácticas de la estevia como un edulcorante se muestran en una serie de alimentos procesados, ya que contiene glucósidos de esteviol como ingrediente activo, que puede ser bajo o no calórico, y hasta 100-300 veces más dulce que la sacarosa. Además, las hojas secas de estevia contienen también minerales, vitaminas, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y otros compuestos antioxidantes, con propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes. Stevia acumula hasta un 30 % de los glucósidos de esteviol (SGs por su sigla en inglés) del peso seco de las hojas. El esteviósido y el rebaudiósido A son las principales SGs. Desde diciembre de 2011, los SGs (E 960) se han autorizado como aditivo alimentario y edulcorante en Estados Unidos. Su uso en diversas categorías de alimentos está regulado como por ejemplo en suplementos alimenticios y alimentos dietéticos para propósitos médicos especiales y control de peso. Sin embargo, la información ofrecida al consumidor es engañosa y dista de ser confiable. Este artículo ofrece al público interesado, datos que deben de ser evaluados al comprar productos adicionados con estevia (AU).

Stevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] is a perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family that grows in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Today its cultivation has spread to other regions of the world, including Canada and some parts of Asia, Europe and México, where its leaves have been used traditionally as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. Nowadays, the potential use and practical implications of Stevia as a sweetener are shown in a number of processed foods, because it contains steviol-glycosides, which are low- or non-caloric ingredients, up to 100­300 times sweeter than sucrose. In addition, dry Stevia leaves also contain minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Stevia accumulates up to 30% of diterpenoid steviol glycosides (SGs) of the leaf dry weight. Stevioside and rebaudioside A are the major SGs. Since December 2011, SGs (E 960) have been permitted for use as food additive and a sweetener in the United States. Its use in various food categories is regulated, e.g. food supplements and dietary foods for special medical purposes and weight control. However, the information offered to the consumers is misleading and far from reliable. This article offers the interested public, data that should be evaluated when buying products added with Stevia (AU).

Lactose malabsorption and taste aversion learning.

Consumption of foods can be suppressed by two feeding system defense mechanisms: conditioned taste aversion (CTA) or taste avoidance learning (TAL). There is a debate in the literature about which form of intake suppression is caused by various aversive stimuli. For instance, illness-inducing stimuli like lithium chloride are the gold standard for producing CTA and external (or peripheral) painful stimuli, such as footshock, are the traditional model of TAL. The distinction between CTA and TAL, which have identical effects on intake, is based on differential effects on palatability. That is, CTA involves a decrease in both intake and palatability, whereas TAL suppresses intake without influencing palatability. We evaluated whether lactose, which causes gastrointestinal pain in adult rats, produces CTA or TAL. Using lick pattern analysis to simultaneously measure intake and palatability (i.e., lick cluster size and initial lick rate), we found that pairing saccharin with intragastric infusions of lactose suppressed both the intake and palatability of saccharin. These results support the conclusion that gastrointestinal pain produced by lactose malabsorption produces a CTA, not TAL as had previously been suggested. Furthermore, these findings encourage the view that the CTA mechanism is broadly tuned to defend against the ingestion of foods with aversive post-ingestive effects.

Assessment of dietary intake of 10 intense sweeteners by the Italian population.

The aim of the present study was to monitor the consumption of foods containing intense sweeteners present on the Italian food market and to investigate whether the Italian general population (aged >3-65+) was at risk for exceeding the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 10 intense sweeteners. A food label survey was performed in Rome (Italy), using market share data to identify the brands more representative of the market. A sample of 326 foods (table-top sweeteners included), beverages and food supplements containing intense sweeteners was collected and analyzed in order to establish the concentration levels. Intense sweeteners were only found in foods belonging to 8 sugar-free food categories out of 37 regulated. The dietary exposure was estimated using the tiered approach. Food consumption data from the last Italian national survey (INRAN-SCAI 2005-06) were combined with Maximum Levels at Tier 2, and with the actual concentration of sweeteners in the collected food products at Tier 3. The estimated exposure among consumers of sweeteners in Italy was well below the ADIs, in both tiers; non-alcoholic beverages, table-top sweeteners and food supplements were main contributors to exposure.

Dietary fructose as a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Glucose is a major energy source for the entire body, while fructose metabolism occurs mainly in the liver. Fructose consumption has increased over the last decade globally and is suspected to contribute to the increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a manifestation of metabolic syndrome affecting about one-third of the population worldwide and has progressive pathological potential for liver cirrhosis and cancer through non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here we have reviewed the possible contribution of fructose to the pathophysiology of NAFLD. We critically summarize the current findings about several regulators, and their potential mechanisms, that have been studied in humans and animal models in response to fructose exposure. A novel hypothesis on fructose-dependent perturbation of liver regeneration and metabolism is advanced. Fructose intake could affect inflammatory and metabolic processes, liver function, gut microbiota, and portal endotoxin influx. The role of the brain in controlling fructose ingestion and the subsequent development of NAFLD is highlighted. Although the importance for fructose (over)consumption for NAFLD in humans is still debated and comprehensive intervention studies are invited, understanding of how fructose intake can favor these pathological processes is crucial for the development of appropriate noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to detect and treat these metabolic effects. Still, lifestyle modification, to lessen the consumption of fructose-containing products, and physical exercise are major measures against NAFLD. Finally, promising drugs against fructose-induced insulin resistance and hepatic dysfunction that are emerging from studies in rodents are reviewed, but need further validation in human patients.