(P06-050-25) Non-centrifugal Cane Sugar vs. Sucrose: Feeding Pattern and Metabolic Effects Comparison

Objectives: Considering the deleterious consequences of refined sugars on health, unrefined sugars with bioactive compounds may be an alternative with positive effects. The objective of this work was to compare the exposure of ad libitum access to non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) and sucrose, on feeding pattern, biochemical and anthropometric markers.

Methods: Wistar rats (n=36), 13–14-week-old were assigned to three experimental groups (n= 12, [6 males/6 females]) depending on the diet. All animals were single housed and received a standard rodent diet and the following liquid exposure: purified drinking water (C), 10% NCS powder solution (NCS) and 10% sucrose solution (SS), over 8-weeks. Feeding pattern, liquid consumption and energy intake were assessed, as well as weekly glucose levels, body weight (BW), abdominal circumference (AC), craniocaudal length (CCL), and body mass index (BMI). Serum glucose, lipid profile, atherogenic risk index (ARI), dissection of adipose tissue and adiposity index (%) were analyzed after sacrifice. Ethics protocol number (CUCBA/CEIC/CE/002/2020), University of Guadalajara.

Results: Both solutions groups consumed significantly less chow than control (mean of 7.7±2.5 vs. 20.6±10 g, p < 0.05). Rats exposed to NCS consumed higher amount of liquid (142±26 vs. 109±21 mL, p < 0.05) than SS. For both groups, respect to their total caloric intake, they got from solution 67% (NCS) and 63% (SS). The drinking pattern over 8-weeks for NCS solution showed an escalating intake. Among groups weight gain was similar; while final AC was higher (p < 0.05) in solutions groups. Between solutions groups, adiposity index was higher for SS (7.7±3 vs. 7.3±2 %, p >0.05), while glucose (76±24 vs. 73±14 mg/dL), total cholesterol (77±13 vs. 71±17 mg/dL), triglycerides (175±60 vs. 161±42 mg/dL) and ARI (0.35±0.07 vs. 0.29±0.08 %), was higher for NCS group.

Conclusions: Although NCS is considered a healthy and bio-functional substitute, the free access to this sweetener generated harmful effects similar to those observed with sucrose. Based on the results, the maximum consumption amount should be taken into account when recommending functional sweetener products.

Funding Sources: PROSNI resource 2532115, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico.