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Eating BehaviorSWEET-WP2-P2NCT04633681

Impact of Sweeteners on Behaviour, Physiology & Health

A study testing Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption in people with Eating Behavior, run by University of Leeds at 5 sites in 4 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the acute (1-day) and repeated (2-week) effects of combinations of Sweeteners \& Sweetness Enhancer blends on metabolic, sensory, neuro-behavioural and microbiota-mediated processes involved in satiety, consumer preferences and health. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Eating Behavior
What is being tested?
Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
175 participants
Where
5 sitesin 4 countries
Study dates
1 Apr 2021to 20 Nov 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • BMI: 25 to 35 kg/m2
  • Use of contraceptive methods or not planning to become pregnant for the duration of the study (women only)
  • Regular consumption of sugar-containing foods and willing to consume sugar and artificially-sweetened food products.
  • Liking of the intervention foods defined by a response of Yes for the product during the pre-screening interview and a score of 40% or above on the Liking Visual Analogue Scale for the sucrose-sweetened control product.
  • Able to participate on the Clinical Investigation Days during normal working hours.
  • Healthy as determined from the self-reported medical history or when a clinical condition exists, when this is considered to be irrelevant (i.e. not influencing study outcomes) for the study by the study medical doctor.
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  • Consuming breakfast regularly (at least 5 days per week).
  • Able to understand and be willing to sign the informed consent form, and to follow all the study procedures and requirements.
  • Capacity to store at-home intervention quantity of intervention product

Who cannot join

  • Blood donation < 3 month prior to study or for full duration of the study.
  • Food allergy, intolerance, restriction or avoidance of any of the study foods (e.g. veganism) or history of anaphylactic reaction to any food.
  • Likelihood for disordered eating defined as a score ≥20 on the Eating Attitudes Test.
  • Currently dieting to lose weight.
  • Having lost or gained >4.5 kg in the last 3 months.
  • Smoking or having quit <3 months prior to study.
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  • Habitually consuming >14 units/week of alcohol in women or >21 units/week in men in the last 3 months.
  • Performing >10 h of intense physical activity per week in the last 3 months.
  • Night or late shift work (ending later than 11 pm on a permanent basis). Rotational shift work allowed if can attend on days that do not follow a late/night shift.
  • Self-reported use of drugs of abuse within the previous 12 months.
  • Pregnancy, lactation (women only)
  • Persons who do not have access to either (mobile) phone or internet (this is necessary when being contacted by the study personnel during the study).
  • Insufficient communication in the national language.
  • Proven or suspected inability, physically or mentally, to comply with the procedures required by the study protocol as evaluated by the daily study manager, site-PI, PI or clinical responsible. This includes volunteers for which insufficient collaboration may be foreseen.
  • Subject's general condition contraindicates continuing in the study as evaluated by the daily study manager, site-PI, PI or responsible clinician.
  • Simultaneous participation in other relevant clinical intervention studies.
  • Previous university or college training related to eating behaviour research.
  • Self-reported eating disorders.
  • Diagnosed anaemia.
  • Diagnosed diabetes mellitus.
  • Abnormal G.I. function or structure such as malformation, angiodysplasia, active peptic ulcer.
  • Active inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis or other disorder potentially causing malabsorption.
  • History of G.I. surgery with permanent effect (i.e. surgical treatment of obesity).
  • Medical history of Cardiovascular Disease (e.g. current angina; myocardial infarction or stroke within the past 6 months; heart failure; symptomatic peripheral vascular disease).
  • Significant liver disease, e.g. cirrhosis (fatty liver disease allowed).
  • Malignancy which is currently active or in remission for less than five years after last treatment (local basal and squamous cell skin cancer allowed).
  • Thyroid diseases, except those on Levothyroxine treatment of hypothyroidism if the person has been on a stable dose for at least 3 months.
  • Psychiatric illness (e.g. major depression, bipolar disorders).
  • Use currently or within the previous 3 months of prescription or over the counter medication that has the potential of affecting appetite, satiety or body weight incl. food supplements. Except: low dose antidepressants if they, in the judgement of the daily study manager, site-PI, PI or clinical responsible, do not affect weight or following the study protocol. Levothyroxine for treatment of hypothyroidism is allowed if the person has been on a stable dose for at least 3 months.
  • Cholesterol lowering medication, if the dose has changed during the last 3 months (i.e. the medication is allowed if the participant has been on a stable dose for at least 3 months).

Trial locations and contacts

5 sites in 4 countries.

5 sites in 4 countries

United Kingdom2 sites
  • University of Leeds

    Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT

  • University of Liverpool

    Liverpool

Other trials in United Kingdom

Denmark1 site
  • University of Copenhagen

    Copenhagen

Other trials in Denmark

France1 site
  • CRNH-RA

    Lyon

Other trials in France

Spain1 site
  • University of Navarra

    Pamplona, 31009

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Acute and Repeated Impact of Sweeteners and Sweetness Enhancers on Food Behaviour, Physiology & Health (SWEET Work Package 2 Phase 2)

This study aims to evaluate the acute (1-day) and repeated (2-week) effects of combinations of Sweeteners \& Sweetness Enhancer blends on metabolic, sensory, neuro-behavioural and microbiota-mediated processes involved in satiety, consumer preferences and health.

Read the detailed description

This protocol has the overall objective to evaluate the acute (short-term, 1 day) and repeated (medium-term, 2 week) effects of combinations of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S\&SEs) on metabolic, sensory, neuro-behavioural and microbiota-mediated processes involved in satiety, consumer preference and health, and to explore mechanistic processes, genetic background, safety issues and consumer perspectives.

There are 5 products being tested in 3 different formulations (sucrose-sweetened control vs 2 reformulated with S\&SE). Each product will be tested at 2 intervention sites in double-blind cross-over trials with 48 subjects (24 per site) tested per product. Therefore a total of 240 subjects will take part across the 5 intervention sites (Navarra, Leeds, Liverpool, Copenhagen, Lyon).

Using identical procedures each trial will consist of 2 Clinical Investigation Days (CIDs) scheduled 12 days apart for each of the 3 product formulations. A 2-week wash-out period will be given between formulations.

The total duration of WP2 Phase 2 is 12 months, including a 5-month duration for each cross-over trial.

Conditions
Eating Behavior
Being tested
Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Keywords
appetite, food preferences, sweeteners, sweetness enhancers
Medical subject headings
Feeding Behavior, Food Preferences

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumptionDietary supplement

    Two-week consumption of combinations of different sweetener and sweetness enhancer blends in reformulated food products compared to sucrose containing product.

Study groups in NCT04633681
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Cake matrixExperimental3 phases of 2-week daily consumption of cake product containing 1) sucrose, 2) Neotame 1, 3) Stevia Reb M. Randomised cross-over with 2-week wash-out between phases.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Biscuit matrixExperimental3 phases of 2-week daily consumption of biscuit product containing 1) sucrose, 2) Neotame 1, 3) Stevia Reb M. Randomised cross-over with 2-week wash-out between phases.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Yoghurt matrixExperimental3 phases of 2-week daily consumption of yoghurt product containing 1) sucrose, 2) sweetener blend 1, 3) sweetener blend 2. Randomised cross-over with 2-week wash-out between phases.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Chocolate matrixExperimental3 phases of 2-week daily consumption of chocolate product containing 1) sucrose, 2) sweetener blend 1, 3) sweetener blend 2. Randomised cross-over with 2-week wash-out between phases.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Cereal matrixExperimental3 phases of 2-week daily consumption of cereal product containing 1) sucrose, 2) sweetener blend 1, 3) sweetener blend 2. Randomised cross-over with 2-week wash-out between phases.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
Universal Eating Monitor studyExperimentalA sub-group of the yoghurt matrix will be selected for assessment of eating rate and microstructure of feeding using Universal Eating Monitors.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption
fMRI studyExperimentalA sub-group of the chocolate matrix will be selected for assessment of neural activation to images of food using fMRI.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Composite Appetite Sensations Incremental Area Under the Curve

    Incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for composite appetite sensations in response to each product.

    During each of the Clinical Investigation Days iAUC composite appetite will be measured 180 minutes post intake.

    The following sensations of appetite will be used in the composite measure:

    • hunger
    • fullness
    • desire to eat
    • prospective consumption

    Minimum value 0 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Secondary outcomes (12)
  1. Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) Explicit Liking

    Change in explicit liking for foods at 15 min post intake Minimum value -100 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  2. Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) Implicit Wanting

    Change in implicit wanting for foods at 15 min post intake Minimum value -100 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  3. Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) Relative preference

    Change in relative preference for foods at 15 min post intake Minimum value -48 Maximum value 48 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  4. Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) Explicit wanting

    Change in explicit wanting for foods at 15 min post intake Minimum value -100 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  5. Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ): Craving Control

    Craving Control examined in a fasted state. Minimum value 0 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean better outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  6. Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ): Craving for Sweet

    Craving for Sweet examined in a fasted state. Minimum value 0 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  7. Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ): Craving for Savoury

    Craving for Savoury examined in a fasted state. Minimum value 0 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean worse outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  8. Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ): Positive Mood

    Positive Mood examined in a fasted state. Minimum value 0 Maximum value 100 Higher scores mean better outcome

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  9. Blood Glucose Incremental Area Under the Curve

    Incremental area under the curve for blood glucose concentrations in response to each product (120 min post intake).

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  10. Blood Insulin Incremental Area Under the Curve

    Incremental area under the curve for blood insulin concentrations in response to each product (120 min post intake).

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  11. Cephalic and intestinal satiety biomarkers: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

    Incremental area under the curve for blood GLP-1 concentrations in response to each product (120 min post intake).

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  12. Cephalic and intestinal satiety biomarkers: Ghrelin

    Incremental area under the curve for blood Ghrelin concentrations in response to each product (120 min post intake).

    Measured: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Nov 2020
  2. Study start1 Apr 2021
  3. Primary completion29 Sep 2023
  4. Study completion20 Nov 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Double-blind, within-subjects, cross-over trial
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
175 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04633681
Sponsor's protocol ID
774293-WP2-P2
Acronym
SWEET-WP2-P2
Status last verified
Aug 2024
First submitted
30 Oct 2020
Last updated
12 Aug 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Gibbons C, O'Hara B, O'Connor D, Hardman C, Wilton M, Harrold JA, Almiron-Roig E, Navas-Carretero S, Hodgkins CE, Nazare JA, Alligier M, Martinez JA, Scott C, Kjolbaek L, Normand M, Rannou C, Blaak EE, Feskens E, Moshoyiannis H, Raben A, Halford JCG, Beaulieu K, Finlayson G. Acute and repeated impact of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers in solid and semi-solid foods on appetite: protocol for a multicentre, cross-over, RCT in people with overweight/obesity - the SWEET Project. BMJ Open. 2022 Dec 23;12(12):e063903. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063903.

    PubMed 36564114

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Sweetener and sweetness enhancer consumption in people with Eating Behavior, run by University of Leeds at 5 sites in 4 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 30 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 5 sites in United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Composite Appetite Sensations Incremental Area Under the Curve (time frame: Clinical Investigation Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04633681, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2024.

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