Low-calorie sweetener could promote microbiome health

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2022. 08. 16. 11:07

A new low-calorie sweetener made from mogrosides and galactooligosaccharides may offer the same effects as artificial sweeteners with none of the negative consequences such as increased appetite or weight gain while feeding a healthy gut, according to a new study.

Artificila sweetenes may produce side-effects

The research, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, examines the formulation of the novel sweetener, which is produced with sugars found in mammalian milk and an enzyme-enhanced extract from the luo han guo fruit called mogroside. The new sweetener led to what the researchers referred to as a significant increase in metabolites and healthy gut bacteria – which is opposite to the effects of some artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, as discovered in previous research.

The study authors note that while artificial sweeteners have grown in popularity, some animal studies have found that they may have undesired effects, despite them being branded as safe for consumption. For instance, some have shown that artificial sweeteners may stimulate appetite, which could cause overeating and weight gain.

In order to add sweetness, the researchers included mogrosides, sourced from what is commonly referred to as monk fruit. These compounds have been found to be 200 to 300 times sweeter than normal sugar. However, since these extracts sometimes have an “off flavor,” they were treated with β-galactosidase enzymes after being added to lactose. The result was a sweetener that was primarily galactooligosaccharides and a small amount of treated mogrosides. Participants in the study affirmed that the new sweetener had a flavor and sweetness approximate to that of table sugar.

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