How do non-nutritive sweeteners increase food intake?
In short-term tests, rats given saccharin solution to drink eat 10-15% more food than when given only water. This is due to the combination of a cephalic-phase neural reflex that influences liver metabolism, a favorable osmotic environment and learning. It is hypothesized that sweet taste increases food intake by producing biochemical changes in the liver that increase fuel storage and consequently decrease fuel oxidation.
Tordoff
M G
MG
Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
D000818:Animals; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D012439:Saccharin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013549:Sweetening Agents; D012439:Saccharin