How Non-nutritive Sweeteners Influence Hormones and Health

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Jul;29(7):455-467. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.04.010. Epub 2018 May 30.

Abstract

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) elicit a multitude of endocrine effects in vitro, in animal models, and in humans. The best-characterized consequences of NNS exposure are metabolic changes, which may be mediated by activation of sweet taste receptors in oral and extraoral tissues (e.g., intestine, pancreatic β cells, and brain), and alterations of the gut microbiome. These mechanisms are likely synergistic and may differ across species and chemically distinct NNSs. However, the extent to which these hormonal effects are clinically relevant in the context of human consumption is unclear. Further investigation following prolonged exposure is required to better understand the role of NNSs in human health, with careful consideration of genetic, dietary, anthropometric, and other interindividual differences.

Keywords: artificial sweeteners; diet soda; endocrine system; hormones; metabolism; microbiome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocrine System / drug effects
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Non-Nutritive Sweeteners / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Non-Nutritive Sweeteners