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Acute Ingestive Effects of Agave Nectar Versus Sucrose in Healthy Young Adults
Author(s) -
Cravinho Amanda,
Hammon Megan,
Rieger Kelsey,
Kern Mark
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.596.17
Subject(s) - agave , nectar , sucrose , nausea , medicine , food science , sugar , carbohydrate metabolism , biology , botany , pollen
Less refined sweeteners may impact metabolism differently from their more refined counterparts. We have demonstrated that agave nectar may beneficially alter metabolism in mice in comparison to sucrose. Since agave nectar is particularly rich in fructose, we hypothesized that it would promote lower acute glycemic responses but may promote gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort in comparison to sucrose. We also assessed satiety responses to the sweeteners. Healthy young adults (n=21) between the ages of 20‐45 years completed two randomly ordered feeding trials in which they consumed 200 ml of a test beverage providing 50 grams of carbohydrate from sucrose or raw agave nectar mixed in water. Glycemic responses were examined by finger prick at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes post‐feeding. Symptoms of GI discomfort (nausea, cramping, distention and flatulence) were self‐reported using visual analogue scales at the same timepoints. Satiety was assessed by visual analogue scale at baseline and every 15 minutes for two hours. Agave nectar consumption elicited significantly (p<0.05) lower blood glucose concentrations over time compared to sucrose. Although the magnitude of nausea was relatively low for both trials, greater (p<0.05) nausea was reported during the agave nectar trial. No other symptom of GI discomfort was differentially affected. No significant differences were observed for satiety responses between the two sweeteners. Results suggest that raw agave nectar as a less refined sweetener promoted lower blood glucose responses in young healthy adults as well as modest GI discomfort. Future research should assess the acute and chronic ingestive effects of this sweetener in healthy individuals and those with metabolic disorders.