Chronic non-nutritive sweeteners consumption alters lipid metabolism, body composition and arterial vasomotor function: Preliminary data in a healthy rat population

Introduction Recent prospective epidemiological studies highlighted the link between non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) consumption and increase in cardiometabolic diseases risk. However, underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to characterize, in a healthy rat population, the effect of chronic NNS consumption on body composition, metabolic parameters and vascular function, as an early marker for cardiovascular disease. Method Healthy Wistar rats ( n  = 15) followed a 10 weeks standard diet including water consumption sweetened or not with a sucralose/acesulfame potassium solution at different concentrations: 1 and 2 mg/kg/d, respectively (regular consumption) or 15 mg/kg/d, for both molecules (Acceptable Daily Intake ADI). Fasting glucose and lipid profile, insulin and glucose tolerance test as well as body composition has been measured. Ex vivo aortic vasomotor function has been investigated with a pharmacological approach. Results NNS consumption did not change total caloric or liquid intake. Both groups of NNS-treated rats showed an increased adiposity index, without total body mass modifications. Plasma HDL cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio were reduced. No change was observed regarding glucose and insulin metabolism, in a fasting state or in response to an oral hyperglycemic challenge. Rats that consumed ADI intake of NNS revealed a significative vascular endothelial dysfunction compared to the other groups. Conclusion These data seem exhibit changes in body composition and lipid metabolism, potentially linked to aortic endothelial dysfunction observed after 10 weeks of NNS treatment in healthy rats. These results need to be completed providing a better understanding in the physiological impact of chronic consumption of NNS in healthy individuals but also in patients with cardiovascular or metabolic disease. These findings will help to revisit safety and regulatory status of these NNS as requested by the European Food Safety Authority.