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. 2005 Jul;25(7):693-699.
doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2005.07.003.

Male rats show an indifference-avoidance response for increasing concentrations of the artificial sweetener sucralose

Nicholas T Bello  1 , Andras Hajnal
Affiliations

Male rats show an indifference-avoidance response for increasing concentrations of the artificial sweetener sucralose

Nicholas T Bello et al. Nutr Res. 2005 Jul.

Abstract

Sucralose is a non-nutritive halogenated sucrose derivative that has been described by humans as tasting predominately sweet with little or no aftertaste. In this study we examined the preference for sucralose in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. A standard 24 hr two-bottle test was used to compare a wide range of sucralose concentrations (0.0003-10g/L; 0.8 μM-25 mM) with water. The rats did not prefer sucralose to water at low concentrations (0.0003-0.3 g/L) and avoided sucralose at high concentrations (1-10g/L). Although there are many similarities in the taste preference of humans, mice, and rats, these results suggest that male rats do not prefer sucralose and avoid it at high concentrations. An awareness of the potential species differences in preference testing for novel sweeteners is critical for the taste and nutritional research communities.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Two bottle test for sucralose, intakes expressed as mean ± SEM
Multiple 24 hr two bottle test comparing a single sucralose concentration (0.0003–10 g/L) with water; * (p< 0.0001).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Preference for sucralose concentrations in 24 hr two bottle test
Percent preference expressed as Sucralose concentration intake/(Water intake + Sucralose concentration) multiplied by 100. Therefore, total avoidance was 0%, indifference 50%, and a strong preference 100%. In graph A, post- hoc tests revealed difference between * (p < 0.01) from 0.0003–0.03 g/L and preferences labeled with an “a” are significant difference (p < 0.05) from each other. Graph B shows individual rat preference for sucralose.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Preference for sucralose concentrations in 24 hr two bottle test
Percent preference expressed as Sucralose concentration intake/(Water intake + Sucralose concentration) multiplied by 100. Therefore, total avoidance was 0%, indifference 50%, and a strong preference 100%. In graph A, post- hoc tests revealed difference between * (p < 0.01) from 0.0003–0.03 g/L and preferences labeled with an “a” are significant difference (p < 0.05) from each other. Graph B shows individual rat preference for sucralose.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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