EFFECTS OF NON-CALORIC ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS (NAS) ON GLYCAEMIC STATUS IN MALE SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: The objective of the study was to estimate the effects of Non-caloric Artificial Sweeteners (NAS) on glycaemic status in male Swiss albino mice. Methods: 36 male Swiss albino mice were selected and divided into six groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 served as control and received a normal pellet diet with drinking water. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 received normal pellet diet and drinking water along with oral administration of Glucose, Saccharin, Sucralose, Aspartame, and commercial Aspartame, respectively for 8 weeks. Bodyweight of the animals was measured every week from baseline until the end of the experiment. Fasting blood glucose, serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), renal function tests, liver enzymes, fecal culture, and lipid profile were assessed during baseline and end of the study. Results: The bodyweight of the animals was increased in all groups. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were significantly increased in NAS groups. Saccharin group showed increase in serum insulin, HOMA-IR, liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine. Aspartame group had dyslipidemic changes with deranged renal function tests. The fecal microbial culture showed Escherichia coli and Citrobacter koseri during baseline and Escherichia coli at the end of experiment. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that long term consumption of NAS can lead to significant increase in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. The treating physicians, diabetic patients, and the general population may have to consider the metabolic problems associated with NAS before advising and/or choosing NAS for regular consumption.