Effects of Non-nutritive Sweeteners on Sweet Taste Processing and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Eating Behavior

Purpose of Review Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are increasingly used as a replacement for nutritive sugars as means to quench the desire for “sweets” while contributing few or no dietary calories. However, there is concern that NNS may uncouple the evolved relationship between sweet taste and post-ingestive neuroendocrine signaling. In this review, we examine the effects of NNS exposure on neural and peripheral systems in humans. Recent Findings NNS exposure during early development may influence sweet taste preferences, and NNS consumption might increase motivation for sweet foods. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence that NNS elicit differential neuronal responsivity in areas related to reward and satiation, compared with caloric sweeteners. Findings are heterogenous regarding whether NNS affect physiological responses. Summary Additional studies are warranted regarding the consequences of NNS on metabolic outcomes and neuroendocrine pathways. Given the widespread popularity of NNS, future studies are essential to establish their role in long-term health.