En ratas, el consumo de bebidas negras, normales o light, incrementa el peso corporal y la ansiedad / In rats, consumption of black drinks, normal or light, increases corporal weight and anxiety / Em ratos, o consumo de bebidas negras, normais ou light, incrementa o peso corporal e a ansiedade

Resumen El consumo de bebidas negras carbonatadas se asocia con obesidad debido a su alta concentración de azúcar. En efecto, la prevalencia de obesidad, sobre todo en niños, va en aumento, por lo que son pertinentes los estudios de factores de riesgo y los programas de prevención. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio piloto fue identificar, en un modelo animal, si el consumo de bebidas negras carbonatadas, normales y de dieta o light, afecta el peso y el comportamiento ansioso. Se seleccionaron 15 ratas Wistar macho, divididas en 3 grupos: un primer grupo de control, que bebía agua exclusivamente; un segundo grupo con suministro de agua y bebida negra carbonatada normal; un tercero con agua y bebida negra carbonatada light. Cada dos días se midió el consumo de bebida y alimento y cada semana se pesaron todos los sujetos. Pasadas cuatro semanas, se evaluaron comportamientos relacionados con ansiedad, utilizando el Laberinto en Cruz Elevado. Se encontraron diferencias significativas estadísticamente en el incremento del peso corporal de las ratas que consumieron bebidas negras normales y light, comparadas con el grupo que solo consumió agua. También se observó mayor consumo de las bebidas carbonatadas, si bien el consumo de alimento se mantuvo en proporciones muy similares para todos los grupos. Con respecto al tiempo de permanencia en los brazos cerrados, fue mayor en las ratas que consumieron bebida light comparadas con el grupo de control y, finalmente, ese mismo grupo mostró menor número de inmersiones de la cabeza en el laberinto. En conclusión, este estudio preliminar permite sugerir que el consumo de bebidas negras carbonatadas, normales y light, se asocia con un incremento del peso corporal de los animales y con mayor ansiedad.

Summary The consumption of carbonated black beverages is associated with obesity due to their high concentration of sugar. In effect, the prevalence of obesity, especially in children, is increasing; therefore, studies of risk factors and prevention programs are relevant. In this sense, the objective of this pilot study was to identify, in an animal model, whether the consumption of normal and diet or light black carbonated beverages affects weight and anxious behaviors. Fifteen male Wistar rats were selected and divided into 3 groups: a first control group, which drank water exclusively; a second group which drank both water and a normal black carbonated beverage; a third group which drank both water and a light black carbonated beverage. Every two days their food and beverage consumption was measured, and every week all the subjects were weighed. After four weeks, behaviors related to anxiety were evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze. Statistically significant differences were found, including the increase in body weight of the rats that consumed normal and light black beverages compared with the group that only consumed water. There was also a higher consumption of carbonated beverages, although the consumption of food remained very similar for all groups. Regarding the time spent in the closed arms, it was greater for the rats that consumed light drinks compared with the control group; and finally, that same group showed a lower number of head dips (dipping) in the maze. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the consumption of normal and light black carbonated beverages is associated with an increase in the body weight of animals and an increase in anxiety.

Resumo O consumo de bebidas negras gaseificadas se associa com obesidade devido a sua alta concentração de açúcar. Em efeito, a prevalência de obesidade, sobre tudo em crianças, vai em aumento, o que torna pertinentes os estudos de fatores de risco e os programas de prevenção. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo piloto foi identificar, em um modelo animal, se o consumo de bebidas negras gaseificadas, normais e de dieta ou light, afeta o peso e o comportamento ansioso. Se selecionaram 15 ratos Wistar macho, divididos em 3 grupos: um primeiro grupo de controle, que bebia água exclusivamente; um segundo grupo com fornecimento de água e bebida negra gaseificada normal; um terceiro com água e bebida negra gaseificada light. A cada dois dias mediu-se o consumo de bebida e alimento e a cada semana se pesaram todos os sujeitos. Após quatro semanas, foram avaliados os comportamentos relacionados com ansiedade, utilizando o Labirinto em Cruz Elevado. Encontraram-se diferenças significativas estatisticamente no aumento do peso corporal dos ratos que consumiram bebidas negras normais e light, comparadas com o grupo que consumiu somente água. Também se observou um maior consumo das bebidas gaseificadas, embora o consumo de alimento tenha se mantido em proporções muito similares para todos os grupos. Com respeito ao tempo de permanência nos braços cerrados, foi superior nos ratos que consumiram bebida light comparadas com o grupo de controle e, finalmente, esse mesmo grupo mostrou um número inferior de imersões da cabeça não labirinto. Em conclusão, este estudo preliminar permite sugerir que o consumo de bebidas negras gaseificadas, normais e light, está associado com um aumento do peso corporal dos animais e com um maior nível de ansiedade.

¿Se pueden recomendar en el embarazo los edulcorantes no nutritivos? / Can we recommend nonnutritive sweeteners during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a condition of special concern due to the need to care for both mother and fetus. One of the main recommendations during this time is weight control. Exceeding weight gain recommendations increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, obesity, pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, premature birth, neural tube defects, and macrosomia, among others. Thus, weight gain within guidelines decreases the chances of these complications. One recommended way to avoid excess weight gain is to replace sugar for nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), bearing in mind that the sale of these substances, especially sodas and sweets, have increased worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the possible risks and benefits of perigestational consumption of NNS. NNS are widely consumed to substitute sugar and provide a sweet taste without contributing to energy intake; however there are no long-term studies in humans that confirm their safety. A study of the legal regulations of the use of NNS requires ongoing review, especially when it comes to pregnancy, since the statements of different health departments around the world are conflicting.

El embarazo es un momento de especial preocupación debido a que la atención se centra en la salud de la madre y el feto. Una de las recomendaciones para embarazadas es el control de peso. Exceder las recomendaciones sobre el incremento de peso gestacional aumenta el riesgo de padecer diabetes gestacional, hipertensión arterial, sobrepeso, obesidad, pre-eclampsia, parto por cesárea, partos prematuros, defectos del tubo neural, macrosomía, entre otros. Por lo tanto, un incremento de peso adecuado en el embarazo permite evitar estas complicaciones. Algunas de las recomendaciones para evitar el aumento de peso excesivo, es reemplazar la sacarosa por Edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN), considerando que su consumo, y en especial de bebidas y productos azucarados, se ha incrementado a nivel mundial en los últimos años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la bibliografía disponible en relación a los posibles riesgos y beneficios de consumir ENN en el embarazo. Los ENN son ampliamente consumidos en la población, en reemplazo del azúcar, como una estrategia para el ahorro de calorías extras, sin embargo, su utilización en mujeres embarazadas no cuenta con estudios en humanos a largo plazo que avalen su seguridad. En relación al marco legal que regula el uso de ENN, se requiere de la revisión permanente para actualizar la información en relación a la seguridad de su consumo, especialmente en mujeres embarazadas, ya que al revisar las directrices de ministerios de salud de diversos países en relación a recomendar o no la utilización de ENN son discordantes.

Artificial sweeteners consumption among Alexandria University Students, Egypt

Background: The consumption of artificial sweeteners has increased in many countries worldwide

In the Arab world, there is little data about consumption pattern of artificial sweeteners especially among university students for their own eating practices and behaviors

Objective[s]: This study aimed to identify the rate of artificial sweetener consumption among Alexandria University students, and to determine its levels in relation to acceptable daily intake [AD I] set by Food and Drug Administration [FDA]

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 400 Alexandria University students of both sexes. The studied sample was equally allocated and randomly selected from four faculties

Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, dietary pattern, and pattern of artificial sweeteners usage were collected from each participant

Results: The consumption of artificial sweeteners was reported by 31% of Alexandria University students

The most commonly consumed types of artificial sweeteners were Sucralose [0.59+/-0.2 mg/kg body weight/day] followed by Aspartame [0.03+/-0.01 mg/kg body weight/day] Daily levels of consumed artificial sweeteners in relation to ADI levels were 11.86+/-4.2% for Sucralose and 0.05+/-0.02% for Aspartame

Conclusion: Daily level of consumed artificial sweeteners by Alexandria University students was less than ADI set by the FDA. Further follow up studies are needed to investigate possible side effects of long term artificial sweeteners usage. Furthermore, large epidemiological studies must be carried out to investigate artificial sweeteners consumption pattern among different age groups

Acute Cholecystitis as a Cause of Fever in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: Fever is a very common complication that has been related to poor outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The incidence of acalculous cholecystitis is reportedly 0.5%–5% in critically ill patients, and cerebrovascular disease is a risk factor for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, abdominal evaluations are not typically performed for febrile patients who have recently undergone aSAH surgeries. In this study, we discuss our experiences with febrile aSAH patients who were eventually diagnosed with AC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 192 consecutive patients who underwent aSAH from January 2009 to December 2012. We evaluated their characteristics, vital signs, laboratory findings, radiologic images, and pathological data from hospitalization. We defined fever as a body temperature of >38.3℃, according to the Society of Critical Care Medicine guidelines. We categorized the causes of fever and compared them between patients with and without AC. RESULTS: Of the 192 enrolled patients, two had a history of cholecystectomy, and eight (4.2%) were eventually diagnosed with AC. Among them, six patients had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In their pathological findings, two patients showed findings consistent with coexistent chronic cholecystitis, and two showed necrotic changes to the gall bladder. Patients with AC tended to have higher white blood cell counts, aspartame aminotransferase levels, and C-reactive protein levels than patients with fevers from other causes. Predictors of AC in the aSAH group were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 8.758; P = 0.033) and the initial consecutive fasting time (OR, 1.325; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: AC may cause fever in patients with aSAH. When patients with aSAH have a fever, diabetes mellitus and a long fasting time, AC should be suspected. A high degree of suspicion and a thorough abdominal examination of febrile aSAH patients allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Additionally, physicians should attempt to decrease the fasting time in aSAH patients.

Acute Cholecystitis as a Cause of Fever in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Fever is a very common complication that has been related to poor outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The incidence of acalculous cholecystitis is reportedly 0.5%–5% in critically ill patients, and cerebrovascular disease is a risk factor for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, abdominal evaluations are not typically performed for febrile patients who have recently undergone aSAH surgeries. In this study, we discuss our experiences with febrile aSAH patients who were eventually diagnosed with AC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 192 consecutive patients who underwent aSAH from January 2009 to December 2012. We evaluated their characteristics, vital signs, laboratory findings, radiologic images, and pathological data from hospitalization. We defined fever as a body temperature of >38.3℃, according to the Society of Critical Care Medicine guidelines. We categorized the causes of fever and compared them between patients with and without AC. RESULTS: Of the 192 enrolled patients, two had a history of cholecystectomy, and eight (4.2%) were eventually diagnosed with AC. Among them, six patients had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In their pathological findings, two patients showed findings consistent with coexistent chronic cholecystitis, and two showed necrotic changes to the gall bladder. Patients with AC tended to have higher white blood cell counts, aspartame aminotransferase levels, and C-reactive protein levels than patients with fevers from other causes. Predictors of AC in the aSAH group were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 8.758; P = 0.033) and the initial consecutive fasting time (OR, 1.325; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: AC may cause fever in patients with aSAH. When patients with aSAH have a fever, diabetes mellitus and a long fasting time, AC should be suspected. A high degree of suspicion and a thorough abdominal examination of febrile aSAH patients allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Additionally, physicians should attempt to decrease the fasting time in aSAH patients.

Avaliação dos efeitos do aspartame sobre a ingestão alimentar, os parâmetros físicos, bioquímicos e histopatológicos em ratos Wistar / Evaluation of aspartame effects on food intake, physical, biochemical, and histopatological parameters in rats

Nos últimos anos, tem-se observado um aumento no consumo de alimentos diet e light por adolescentes ou por aqueles que estão à procura de uma alimentação com baixo teor calórico, surgindo, assim, diversos edulcorantes, como o aspartame. Porém, seu consumo ainda gera polêmica, devido a muitos dados contraditórios e inconclusivos. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de aspartame sobre ingestão alimentar, parâmetros físicos, bioquímicos e histopatológicos em 18 ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, com cinco semanas de vida (ratos jovens), tratados durante 21 dias. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC) - tratados com água destilada por gavagem, e o grupo aspartame (GA) - tratados diariamente com 2mL/100g/dia de aspartame. Todos os animais receberam ração comercial (Essence(r)) e água ad libitum. O controle da ingestão alimentar foi registrado semanalmente. Foram aferidos os parâmetros físicos por meio da análise do peso corporal, da circunferência toráxica, da circunferência abdominal, do comprimento vértice-cóccix, da gordura abdominal total e do cálculo do índice de massa corporal; os parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados por meio da glicemia, da lipoproteína de alta densidade e dos triglicerídeos; além de tais análises, foi realizado o estudo histopatológico do fígado. Durante todo o experimento, os ratos tratados com aspartame apresentaram um aumento significativo no peso corpóreo e na ingestão alimentar quando comparados ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença nas demais análises tanto físicas, quanto bioquímicas e histopatológicas comparando-se o GA com o GC (P<0,05). Com base nos resultados obtidos, é possível inferir uma maior chance de desenvolvimento da obesidade, oriunda do consumo regular desse tipo de adoçante, já que ele comprovou ser capaz de estimular o consumo de alimentos e, consequentemente, o ganho de peso corpóreo.(AU)

Recent years have seen an increase in consumption of diet and light foods by teenagers or those who are looking for a low-calorie diet, thus resulting in several sweeteners such as aspartame. However, their consumption still generates controversy due to many contradictory and inconclusive data. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aspartame supplementation on dietary intake, physical, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in 18 male Wistar rats, at five weeks old (young mice) treated for 21 days. The animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (CG) - treated with distilled water by gavage and aspartame group (GA) - treated with 2ml/100g/day of aspartame. All animals received commercial feed (Essence (r)) and water ad libitum. The control of food intake was recorded weekly. The physical parameters were measured by analyzing the body weight, chest circumference, waist circumference, vertex-coccyx length, total abdominal fat and calculating the body mass index; biochemical parameters were analyzed by glucose, high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Apart from such analysis the histopathological study of the liver was conducted. Throughout the experiment the rats treated with aspartame showed a significant increase in body weight and food intake compared to the control group. There was no difference in other analyzes such physical, biochemical, and histopathological comparing GA to GC (P<0.05). From the results we can infer a greater chance of developing obesity, coming from the regular consumption of this type of sweetener, as it proved able to stimulate food intake, and hence the gain of body weight.(AU)

Role of astaxanthin in improving the physiological and teratolgical changes of aspartame in the pregnant albino rats and their fetuses

Aim of the work: the present work was done to investigate the role of astaxanthin in ameliorating the physiological and teratological effects of aspartame on the pregnant rats and their fetuses

Materials and methods: in this study 70 virgin mature female albino rats [Wistar wistar] were used and 35 males [for mating]; pregnancy was ascertained by vaginal smearing. The pregnant rats were injected on days7, 9, 11 and 13 of gestation [organogenesis period]. The animals were divided into the following groups: animals of the first group which were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5ml saline [solvent of aspartame]; animals of the second were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 ml olive oil [solvent of astaxanthin]. The third group was divided into 2 subgroups, the pregnant rats of the first subgroup were intraperitoneally injected with aspartame [20mg./kg. body weight], the pregnant rats of the second subgroup were intraperitoneally injected with aspartame [40 mg./kg. body weight]. Pregnant rats of the 4th group were intraperitoneally injected with astaxanthin [50mg./kg. body weight] 2 hours after aspartame injection by its 2 doses

Results: aspartame at the dose of 40 mg./kg.body weight induced pre- term [early delivery]; however the 2 doses of aspartame resulted in very highly significant decrease in the mean maternal body weight, unequal horns of the uteri and unequal distribution of the fetuses between them, abnormal amount of fats surrounding the 2 horns of the uterus, regions of hemorrhage were present on the external membrane of the uteri,very highly significant uterine weight decrease, cases of abortion were noticed as well as highly significant increased resorption of the fetuses. Intraperitoneal injection with aspartame at the 2 doses resulted in fetal mortality, very highly significant fetal body weight and length decrease with a significant decrease in fetal tail length. Moreover, aspartame induced fetal morphological changes such as body diminution, exencephaly, cognition of the blood vessels in the head region and cleft lips. The skin seemed thin and fragile in the head region as well as the fore and hind regions; hematoma was obvious beside edema, clubbed fore and hind limbs, kyphosis was obvious beside hernias on some regions of the skin with hypertrophy of some fetuses and protrusion of the viscera outside the body. Aspartame exposure at the 2 doses induced highly significant increase in mean of maternal serum AST activity, very highly significant increase in mean serum GGT and serum creatinine activity

Conclusion-Treatment with astaxanthin induced obvious improvement in all of the physiological and morphological changes caused by aspartame in the pregnant rats and their fetuses

Artificial sweeteners: safe or unsafe?

Artificial sweeteners or intense sweeteners are sugar substitutes that are used as an alternative to table sugar. They are many times sweeter than natural sugar and as they contain no calories, they may be used to control weight and obesity. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated the safety of the six low-calorie sweeteners currently approved for use in foods in the U.S. and Europe [stevia, acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin and sucralose], if taken in acceptable quantities daily. There is some ongoing debate over whether artificial sweetener usage poses a health threat. This review article aims to cover the health benefits, and risks, of consuming artificial sweeteners, and discusses natural sweeteners which can be used as alternatives

Envolvimento da metilecgonidina, produto de pirólise da cocaína, na farmacodependência / Involvement of methylecgonidine, a cocaine pyrolysis product, in addiction

O crack é a forma fumada de administração da cocaína com o maior potencial para causar dependência. Até 80% da sua fumaça consiste no produto de pirólise da cocaína, a metilecgonidina (AEME). Apesar do vasto conhecimento acerca dos efeitos e prejuízos causados pela cocaína, nenhum trabalho avaliou os efeitos da AEME na farmacodependência, objetivo deste trabalho. Ratos adultos machos Wistar foram expostos à salina, à AEME 3 mg/kg, à cocaína 15 mg/kg e a associação entre cocaína e AEME, intraperitonealmente, em duas situações: 1) exposição prolongada (administração todos os dias, por 9 dias); 2) sensibilização comportamental dependente de contexto (administração em dias alternados, por 5 dias e 7 dias de abstinência, seguido do desafio). A dose de AEME foi definida pela avaliação da atividade locomotora em teste agudo. A AEME foi capaz de aumentar a atividade locomotora após exposição prolongada e potencializar a expressão da sensibilização comportamental dependente de contexto induzida pela cocaína. A concentração de dopamina e seus metabólitos aumentaram no caudado-putâmen em todos os grupos, sendo observado um sinergismo entre cocaína e AEME no grupo da associação. No núcleo accumbens, foi observado aumento de dopamina apenas nos grupos cocaína e associação. Paralelamente, houve aumento da relação p-CREB/CREB 60 minutos após a administração aguda de AEME 3 mg/kg e cocaína 15 mg/kg, tanto no caudado-putâmen quanto no núcleo accumbens, assim como nos grupos cocaína e associação após a sensibilização comportamental dependente de contexto. Com a finalidade de determinar o mecanismo de ação da AEME, foi realizado um estudo farmacológico detalhado dessa substância em células CHO-K1 de rato expressando heterologamente os receptores colinérgicos muscarínicos subtipos 1 a 5, uma vez que estudos anteriores sugeriram uma interação entre a AEME e os receptores colinérgicos muscarínicos. O ensaio de competição com [3H]NMS mostrou uma pequena preferência da AEME para o subtipo M2. Estudos funcionais (mobilização de cálcio) revelaram um efeito agonista parcial da AEME para os subtipos M1 e M3 e antagonista para os demais subtipos, dando suporte à hipótese colinérgica de ação da AEME. Nossos resultados indicam que a AEME isoladamente não foi capaz de causar sensibilização, mas potencializou a ação da cocaína quando coadministrada. O efeito antagonista da AEME em receptores subtipo M2 e M4 no caudado-putâmen, e M4 e M5 no núcleo accumbens causaram aumento de dopamina nessas regiões encefálicas, onde a atividade colinérgica medeia sua liberação

Crack cocaine is the smoked form of cocaine with the highest potential for addiction. Up to 80% of crack smoke consists of cocaines pyrolysis product anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME). Despite of many studies regarding cocaine effects and its hazardousness, few reports have assessed AEME's role in addiction, the aim of this study. Adult male Wistar rats were i.p. dosed with either saline, 3 mg/kg AEME, cocaine 15 mg/kg, or cocaine-AEME combination in two situations: 1) prolonged exposure (drugs administered every day for 9 days); 2) behavioral sensitization context specific (drugs administered in alternating days for 5 days, followed by 7-days abstinence period and a challenge injection). AEME dose was chosen based on locomotor activity after an acute test. AEME increased locomotor activity in the prolonged exposure and it potentiated cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. Dopamine level and its metabolites were elevated in the caudate-putamen in all non-saline groups with a synergic effect between cocaine and AEME in the cocaine-AEME group. In the nucleus accumbens, dopamine was elevated only in cocaine and cocaine-AEME groups. At the same time, p-CREB/CREB ratio, increased 60 minutes after an acute administration of 3 mg/kg AEME and 15 mg/kg cocaine in both caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens, the same result observed in both cocaine and cocaine-AEME groups after behavioral sensitization. Once previous studies suggested AEME interacts with muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, a detailed pharmacological analysis of AEME at rat muscarinic acetylcholine receptors subtypes 1-5 heterologously expressed in CHO-K1 cells was performed to determine a mechanism for the novel effects of AEME. [3H]NMS competition binding showed a slight preference for M2 subtype; functional studies (Ca2+ mobilization) revealed partial agonist effects at M1 and M3 and antagonist effects at the remaining subtypes, supporting the cholinergic hypothesis of AEME's effects. Our results indicate AEME alone does not elicit behavior sensitization but significantly potentiates cocaine sensitization when co-administered. AEME antagonism effects at M2 and M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors subtypes in the caudate-putamen, and M4 and M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors subtypes in the nucleus accumbens resulted in dopamine increase in these brain regions, where its release is mediated by cholinergic activity

Edulcorantes no nutritivos e ingesta diaria admisible en adultos y niños de peso normal y obesos de tres niveles socioeconómicos, y un grupo de diabéticos de la Región Metropolitana / Non-caloric sweeteners and daily acceptable intake in adults and children with normal weight and obesity from three different socioeconomic levels, and a diabetic group from Metropolitan Region

Introduction: There is wide availability of products containing sweeteners but there is no regulation on its consumption. Objective: To establish if adults and children with normal weight or obesity from three socioeconomic levels, and a group of adults and children with diabetes; do not exceed ADI levels for some sweeteners. Methods: Group 1 (477 adults, Group 2 (516 children) from socioeconomic levels: ABC1, C2 and C3, normal nutritional status and obesity, and group 3 (218) adults and children with diabetes. The daily intake of sweeteners was recorded, including: aspartame (ASP), acesulfame K (AK), cyclamate (CICL), saccharin (SAC), sucralose (SUC) and stevia (STV). Results: 85% adults and 75%% of children consumed products with sweeteners, and of these 50% were instant powdered beverages, soft drinks or diet yogurts. When comparing the consumption between groups 1 and 2, group 1 consumed a larger amount of sweeteners (p<0.05). Group 1 ABC1 ate more AK, ASP and SUC than C2 and C3 (p<0.05). Group 3 did not surpass the acceptable daily intake of AK, ASP, SUC and STE, but 5.8% of adults and 25% of diabetic children exceeded the ADI for SAC. Conclusions: The 97.5% and the 98.8% had a safe consumption of artificial sweeteners. It should be emphasized that 5.8% of adults and 25% of diabetic children exceeded the maximum ADI for SAC, finding that suggests to be continued long-term studies to elucidate whether this has implications for health.

Introducción: Existe gran disponibilidad de productos con edulcorantes pero no existe regulación sobre su consumo. Objetivo: determinar si individuos adultos y niños con estado nutricional normal u obesidad de tres niveles socioeconómicos y un grupo de adultos y niños con diabetes, no excedían la ingesta diaria admisible de los edulcorantes permitidos. Metodología: Grupo 1 (477 adultos) y grupo 2 (516 niños) de niveles socioeconómicos (NSE): ABC1, C2 y C3, estado nutricional normal y obesos, y grupo 3 (218) adultos y niños diabéticos. Se registró la ingesta diaria de edulcorantes incluyéndose: aspartame (ASP), acesulfamo K (AK), ciclamato (CICL), sacarina (SAC), sucralosa (SUC) y estevia (STV). Resultados: El 85 % adultos y 75 % de niños consumían productos con edulcorantes y de estos el 50% eran bebidas instantáneas en polvo, bebidas gaseosas o yogurts dietéticos. Al comparar la ingesta de edulcorantes entre los grupos 1 y 2, el grupo 1 tuvo una mayor ingesta (p<0.05) que el grupo 2. El grupo 1 del NSE ABC1, consumió mas AK, ASP y SUC que NSE C2 y C3 (p<0.05). En el grupo 3, el 5.8% de adultos y el 25% de niños diabéticos sobrepasaron el IDA sólo para SAC. Conclusiones: El 97.5% adultos y el 98.8% niños tuvieron ingesta dentro del nivel seguro en cada edulcorante. Se debe enfatizar que el 5,8% de adultos y 25% de niños diabéticos excedieron el IDA máximo para SAC, hallazgo que sugiere continuar con estudios a largo plazo que permitan dilucidar si esto tiene repercusión para la salud.

Niveles de ingesta diaria de edulcorantes no nutritivos en escolares de la región de Valparaíso / Daily consumption levels of non-nutritive sweeteners in school age children from the Valparaiso region

Introduction: Artificial sweeteners are substances that do not provide energy and are added to foods to provide a sweet taste. Sweeteners are used to replace sugar either in part or entirely. Objective: To determine the consumption of artificial sweeteners in school children 6 to 14 years of age in the Valparaiso Region of Chile and to compare consumption according to nutritional status. Methods: 281 students of both sexes underwent anthropometric assessment (weight and height) and completed a food survey on the consumption of sweeteners. Results: 100% of students consume foods or products containing artificial sweeteners, although no student consumed more than the maximum allowed. When comparing by nutritional status, obese children, compared to those with normal weight had a higher consumption of sucralose, aspartame, saccharin and acesulfame potassium (p <0.05). Conclusion: The intake of sweeteners is massive, but consumption does not exceed permitted levels in this study sample.

Introducción: Los edulcorantes artificiales son sustancias que no aportan energía y que se agregan a los alimentos para proporcionarles un sabor dulce. Se emplean para reemplazar total o parcialmente el azúcar. Objetivo: Determinar el consumo de edulcorantes artificiales en escolares de 6 a 14 años de la región de Valparaíso y comparar su consumo según su estado nutricional. Métodos: A 281 estudiantes de ambos sexos se les realizó una evaluación antropométrica (peso y talla) y una encuesta alimentaria sobre consumo de edulcorantes. Resultados: El 100% de los estudiantes consumió alimentos o productos con contenido de edulcorantes, aunque ninguno de ellos sobre la dosis máxima admitida. Al comparar por estado nutricional, los estudiantes con obesidad presentaron una mayor consumo de sucralosa, aspartamo, sacarina y acesulfamo de potasio (p<0.05). Conclusión: La ingesta de edulcorantes es masiva, pero su consumo no sobrepasa los niveles permitidos por el Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos en la muestra estudiada.

Effect of chlorhexidine gel containing saccharin or aspartame in deaf children highly infected with mutans streptococci

Aim: Since deaf children are unable to comprehend or cooperate with dental treatment due to lack of communication, preventive measures may be an important way to control the high prevalence of dental caries in these patients. The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effect of an intensive treatment with chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, containing either saccharin or aspartame, in deaf children highly infected with mutans streptococci (MS). Methods: Eighteen children were randomly divided into two groups, according to the sweetener used to improve the CHX gel bitter taste: saccharin or aspartame. Before CHX treatment, saliva samples were collected to establish baseline microbial data for MS. CHX gel was applied on two consecutive days, four times the first day and three times the second day. Saliva samples were then taken after 7, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days to evaluate MS oral recolonization. Results: CHX gel containing saccharin was not effective on the reduction of MS levels, while the gel containing aspartame decreased significantly MS levels after treatment (P<.05). Conclusions: Although a new CHX application may be necessary after 60 days to control caries risk and MS levels, CHX treatment should be individually controlled because of variations in the response of subjects.

Avaliação do efeito do aspartame em ratas tratadas durante a prenhez e o reflexo do tratamento em seus fetos / The evaluation of aspartame administration in rats treated during pregnancy and its effect in their fetuses

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do aspartame em ratas tratadas durante a prenhez e o reflexo do tratamento em seus fetos. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas 33 ratas (11 em cada grupo) da espécie Rattus norvegicus albinus Wistar, com peso médio de 200 g divididas em três grupos distintos: G1 (controle - água), G2 (aspartame - 25 mg/kg/dia) e G3 (aspartame - 50 mg/kg/dia), cujo tratamento ocorreu a partir do 8º ao 12º dia de prenhez. Realizaram-se as determinações séricas de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol total e colesterol HDL dos animais. Para as análises estatísticas utilizou-se a Análise de Variância, seguidas pela comparação múltipla, por meio do teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: As ratas tratadas do G3 apresentaram as maiores taxas de glicose, colesterol total e HDL. Com relação aos dados morfométricos, o G2 apresentou maior média nas medidas do cordão umbilical e do peso da placenta, com diferença estatisticamente significante apenas no peso da placenta. O G2 apresentou maior média no peso corpóreo e no peso do encéfalo, com diferença estatística, entre todos os grupos, para as duas medidas. Os fetos das ratas tratadas com aspartame (25 e 50 mg/kg/dia) apresentaram resultado estatisticamente significante de malformações em comparação com o G1. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de aspartame pela gestante deve ser restrito a menos que a quantidade diária máxima recomendada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspartame in rats treated during pregnancy and its consequences on their fetuses. METHOD: We studied 33 rats (11 in each group) of the species Rattus norvegicus Wistar albinos, weighing an average of 200 g that were divided into three groups: G1 (control - water), G2 (aspartame 25 mg/kg/day), and G3 (aspartame 50 mg/kg/day), whose treatment occurred from the 8th to the 12th day of pregnancy. The levels of serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol of the animals were determined. For statistical analysis we used Variance Analysis followed by multiple comparisons using the Tukey test (p < 0.05).RESULTS: The rats treated with G3 showed the highest rates of glucose, total cholesterol and HDL. Regarding the morphometric data, the rats treated with G2 had higher average in measurements of the umbilical cord and placental weight. There was statistically significance only in placental weight. The group of fetuses of rats treated with G2 had higher average in body and brain weights, with statistical difference between all groups for both measures. The fetuses of rats treated with aspartame (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) showed a statistically significant result of malformations compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of aspartame for pregnant women should be restricted to less than the maximum recommended daily dosage

Revisão da literatura sobre recomendações de utilização de edulcorantes em gestantes portadoras de diabetes mellitus / Literature Review about recommendations of use of sweeteners in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa do conhecimento disponível na literatura sobre a recomendação de edulcorantes nos casos de diabetes na gestação, com consulta às seguintes bases de dados: Medline, Lilacs e PubMed, tendo como base os períodos de 1978 a 2009. Os edulcorantes são classificados em nutritivos e não-nutritivos. Atualmente, o aspartame é alvo de várias críticas, porém a American Diabetes Association (ADA), revisando as evidências científicas acerca da inocuidade do aspartame, declara que o edulcorante não é carcinogênico e não está associado a desordens neurológicas. Quanto à sacarina, alguns autores recomendam restrição do consumo desta por gestantes, devido à falta de informações conclusivas sobre possíveis efeitos no desenvolvimento fetal, além das poucas evidências sobre seu efeito transplacentário e transmamário. A ADA não recomenda o uso do esteviosidio como edulcorante. Os edulcorantes não-calóricos atualmente aprovados para uso pela população em geral, incluindo as gestantes são: aspartame, acesulfame-K, sacarina, sucralose e neotame. Na orientação dietética, deve-se considerar a quantidade permitida por dia e esclarecer à cliente sobre a importância de controlar a dose utilizada, além de revisar periodicamente os tipos de edulcorantes presentes nos adoçantes e produtos dietéticos disponíveis no mercado.

The present narrative review article accounts for the available knowledge about the recommended use of sweeteners in cases of gestational diabetes, according to the Medline, Lilacs and PubMed databases from 1978 to 2009. Sweeteners are classified as nutritive and non-nutritive. Currently, aspartame is being strongly criticised despite the American Diabetes Association (ADA) having stated that it is not carcinogenic nor associated with neurological disorders. As for saccharin, some authors recommend a restricted intake by pregnant women due to the lack of conclusive information about its possible effects on fetal development, and to the little evidence of its transplacental and transmammary effects. The ADA does not recommend the use of stevioside as a sweetener. The approved low-calorie sweeteners for all population, including pregnant women, are aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, sucralose and neotame. During diet orientation, the allowed daily intake should be considered, the importance of controlling the dose should be explained to the patient, and the sweeteners used in diet products available in the market should be frequently revised.

Aspartame: afinal, seu uso é seguro ou não? / Aspartame: Is its use safe or not?

Aspartame é um edulcorante artificial e calórico de poder adoçante muito superior ao do açúcar.A quantidade de metanol existente no aspartame não é tóxica.Devemos estar atentos à dose diária de aspartame utilizada.Existem muitas dúvidas sobre efeitos maléficos do aspartame no sistema nervoso central.

profile of natural sweetener - stevia

The small perennial shrub, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is native to valley of Rio Monday in Paraguay. It is one of 150 species of genus Stevia which contains diterpene glycosides e.g. Stevioside, Rebaudioside A, B, C [Dulcoside B], D, E, F, [Dulcoside A], Steviolmonoside, Steviolbioside and Rubusoside in its leaves. All these are responsible for making Stevia about 300 times sweeter than sucrose [0.4% solution]. Stevioside and Rebaudioside A are the abundant glycosides in this plant responsible for the potent sweet taste of the drug. Extract of Stevia leaves have been used for many years as sweetening agent in traditional treatment of diabetes in South America. Several studies demonstrated that Stevia significantly decreases glucose level and increases glucose tolerance in diabetic type II volunteers and experimental animals. Stevioside and Rebaudioside A exert hypoglycemic, insulinotropic [enhance insulin release] and glucogonostatic activities. Organoleptic evaluation of Stevia for sweetener properties demonstrated that it exerts intensively sweet taste superior to most of other sweeteners. Other pharmacological activities such as antihypertensive, anticancer, non-carcinogenic, gastroprotective, antibacterial etc. have been demonstrated by several studies. The present literature survey reveals the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Análise das Características de Produtos Contendo Aspartame Comercializados em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / Analysis of the Characteristics of Aspartame-Containing Products Commercialized in Salvador, BA, Brazil

Objetivo: Analisar as características do aspartame, assim como ograu de informações divulgadas pelos fabricantes dos produtoscontendo esse edulcorante, comparativamente, aos demaisadoçantes naturais e artificiais.Método: Estudo do tipo observacional e descritivo. Foramcoletados dados sobre os principais adoçantes contendo aspartamedisponíveis no comércio da cidade de Salvador, estado da Bahia,Brasil, no ano de 2007, correspondendo a uma amostra constituídapor 22 produtos.Resultados: É satisfatória a divulgação promovida pelosfabricantes quanto a composição dos produtos comercializadoscontendo aspartame; a informação quanto à presença doaminoácido fenilalanina na composição desses produtos, tendoem vista tratar-se de uma substância contra-indicada para aspessoas portadoras de fenilcetonúria; a divulgação da ocorrênciaou não de glúten nas respectivas formulações, tendo em vistaos portadores da doença celíaca. A concentração média,constante, equivalente a 3/4 Kcal/g, em cada envelope. Asdiversas formas de veiculação nos estados sólido e líquido.Conclusão: O uso diário do aspartame é considerado segurotendo em vista o controle realizado pela ANVISA e a divulgaçãodas informações pelos fabricantes; o teor de metanol que resultada digestão não ser considerado significativo pelos órgãos decontrole sanitário; a liberdade de escolha em virtude dadiversidade de produtos; o atendimento à condição de auxiliardo controle do peso, do diabetes e da cárie dental.

Adoçantes dietéticos na alimentação de ratos: uma abordagem histológica e bioquímica / Dietary sweeteners in rat nourishment: a histological and biochemical approach

Ratos Wistar foram submetidos a uma dieta composta de ração e: 1. água; 2. sacarose a 10 por cento; 3. Aspartame a 1 por cento; 4. ciclamato de sódio a 1 por cento; e 5. sacarina a 1 por cento ad libitum, a partir dos 15 dias de idade. Na fase adulta (5,5 meses), cortes histológicos do duodeno, fígado, baço, bexiga e pâncreas desses animais não revelaram alterações anátomo-patológicas. A evolução da massa corporal foi também muito próxima entre os cinco grupos. Detectou-se menor nível de triglicérideos séricos nos grupos Sacarose e Aspartame, assim como de colesterol no grupo Água. Essas variações foram aparentemente indiretas e ligadas à maior ou menor ingestão de ração e à sua composição.

Wistar rats were fed a diet composed of chow and: 1. water; 2. 10 percent sacarose; 3. 1 percent aspartame; 4. 1 percentsodium cyclamate and 5. 1 percent saccharin ad libitum, from the age of 15 days. At the adult phase (5.5months), histologic cuts of these animals did not show anatomo-morphologic alterations. Evolution ofbody weight was also very close to one another among the five groups. Lower serum triglyceride levelswere detected in the Sucrose and Aspartame groups, the same occurring with cholesterol in the Watergroup. These alterations were apparently indirect and due to a higher or lower ingestion of chow and its composition.

Comparação sensorial de doce de goiaba com sacarose e adoçantes com baixa caloria / Comparison of sensory guava candy with sucrose and low calorie sweeteners

Os edulcorantes são aditivos alimentares definidos como substâncias de sabor doce, que apresentam valores calóricos inferiores ao da sacarose e com quantidades equivalentes ou superiores ao poder adoçante desta. De acordo com suas características específicas de intensidade e persistência do sabor doce, assim como, presença ou não de sabor residual, vão influenciar na sua preferência pelos consumidores. Este trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar doce de goiaba em calda preparado com frutose, aspartame e ciclamato + sacarina a fim de verificar seu rendimento e preferência em relação ao doce preparado com sacarose (Padrão). Foi realizada a análise sensorial, utilizando o teste de comparação múltipla em relação à preferência das amostras em relação à Padrão. Os resultados foram avaliados através da análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de média Dunnett...