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Scientific Studies Show Aspartame
is Beneficial in Weight Control
Other Studies Assessing Food/Caloric Intake
Clinical evidence indicates that low-calorie sweeteners are effective
in limiting calorie intake.
In pioneering work in this area, Dr.
Katherine Porikos and colleagues investigated the effect of covert
caloric dilution on food intake in three separate clinical studies
(Porikos et al., 1977; Porikos et al., 1982; Porikos and Pi-Sunyer,
1984; Porikos and Van Italie, 1984).
- In one study, the diet of six
normal-weight male subjects was reduced calorically by 25% by the
covert substitution of aspartame-sweetened analogs for all menu
items containing sucrose (Porikos et al., 1982). Although the subjects
compensated somewhat for the caloric dilution, their caloric intake
stabilized at 15 percent below their normal intake. The subjects
did not show a shift in either sweetened or unsweetened food choices
while their diet was being diluted, which contradicts claims that
low-calorie sweeteners may encourage a desire for sweets.
- In another study conducted by Porikos et al. (1977), the covert
substitution of aspartame for sucrose in the diets of obese adults
resulted in a 25 percent reduction in caloric intake. In a third
caloric dilution study of obese and normal weight subjects, Porikos
reported that obese subjects reduced their caloric intake by 16
percent compared to a baseline diet, and normal weight subjects
reduced caloric intake by 16 percent (Porikos and Pi-Sunyer, 1984;
Porikos and Van Italie, 1984).
- Dr. Porikos concluded from her research
that foods and beverages containing low-calorie sweeteners can offer
an effective approach to dieting, noting: “They allow for
a reduction in energy intake without alteration in taste and only
minor changes in volume of diet. A dietary regimen which includes
low-calorie versions of people’s favorite foods, particularly
sweets, should encourage compliance” (Porikos and Van Italie,
1984).
Dr. Barbara Rolls also has conducted important research regarding
the effects of low-calorie sweeteners on caloric intake and hunger.
- In a study of 42 normal-weight men, the subjects were given 8 to
16 ounces of lemonade, sweetened to equal intensity with either
aspartame or sucrose, or the same volumes of water, or no drink
(Rolls et al., 1990). Subjects were separated into three groups
receiving the drinks at different times: with a self-selection lunch
or 30 or 60 minutes before lunch.
- Researchers found that there was
no instance in the three experiments in which hunger ratings or
intake under the aspartame versus water conditions differed, and
concluded, “Thus these data do not support the hypothesis
that aspartame-sweetened drinks increase food intake.”
In a study conducted by Drewnowski et al. (1994), the effects of
four breakfast preloads on hunger ratings, energy intakes and taste
responsiveness profiles were examined in 24 normal-weight adults.
- The breakfasts consisted of 400 g of creamy white cheese (“fromage
blanc”) with maltodextrin or water, and differed in energy
value (700 kcal vs. 300 kcal) and the nature of the sweetener. High-calorie
breakfasts were sweetened with sucrose or with aspartame, while
low-calorie ones contained aspartame or were not sweetened at all.
Daily energy intakes following breakfast were the same for all four
breakfasts.
- No calorie compensation was observed: subjects given
300 kcal breakfasts had lower total daily intakes than when given
700 kcal. The researchers concluded, “These data do not support
the notion that intense sweeteners increase hunger or result in
increased energy intakes in normal-weight subjects.”
More Scientific Studies
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