Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli
Published on: August 12, 2016
Potential Effects of Low-Calorie Sweeteners on Human Health
Huang-Pin Chen1, Yuan Kao2,3, Meng-Wei Lin1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) are widely utilized as sugar substitutes due to their intense sweetness, thermal stability, and applicability in weight management and diabetic-friendly products. However, increasing evidence has raised concerns about their potential long-term effects on metabolic health, glucose regulation, cardiovascular function, carcinogenicity, and gut microbiota composition. This review systematically evaluates the pharmacokinetics, metabolic effects, and associated health outcomes of major LCS. Mechanistically, LCS exert effects via sweet taste receptor-mediated pathways, altering glucose absorption, insulin secretion, and intracellular signaling cascades. Additionally, LCS influence gut microbiota composition, with certain agents promoting dysbiosis and glucose intolerance. While some findings support the metabolic benefits of selected LCS, others underscore potential risks, necessitating cautious interpretation. In conclusion, while LCS offer viable alternatives to sugar, their health effects are context-dependent and may vary across different sweeteners and populations. Long-term, high-quality clinical trials are essential to elucidate their safety and efficacy.
More Related Videos
09:17Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
Published on: July 16, 2016
08:52Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold TDT Test
Published on: April 21, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
The Physiology of Taste
Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...