A Randomized, Double-Blind, Monocentric, and Placebo-Controlled Blood Glycemic Response Evaluation of Sweetch, a Natural Sugar Replacement Blend, on Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a serious global concern due to its long-term health-related effects and the financial burden it poses to healthcare systems and families around the world. Excess consumption of sugar is one of the main causes of the issue. There are many sweetening ingredients that claim to be the solution to substitute normal sugar while maintaining the blood sugar level at a low level, yet the evidence is lacking and not always substantiated. Sweetch Natural Sugar Replacement is a proprietary natural sugar alternative product composed of a blend of different plant-derived sweetening ingredients. It has zero calories, no added flavor, non-GMO, and the same taste profile and measure as sugar (1:1 replacement). It is appropriate in drinks as well as any form of cooking. The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in blood sugar levels, as well as the safety of human volunteers after oral absorption of Sweetch Natural Sugar Replacement, substantiating Sweetch claim on zero glycemic response. The efficacy and safety analyses were performed using the principles of a fasting blood sugar level test on 22 randomized subjects practicing a healthy lifestyle. Participants were divided into 2 groups: An active group using the investigational product (IP; 50 g of the IP dissolved into mineral water.) versus a controlled group using a placebo (plain mineral water). After 12 hours of overnight fasting, volunteers took their drink orally and their blood samples were taken at specific time points (T0, T30 min, and T2 h) to measure blood glucose levels. Results indicate that there is no significant difference in the average blood glucose level at various time points between the active group and the placebo group. This study confirms that Sweetch Natural Sugar Replacement does not cause any noticeable changes in blood sugar levels post-oral administration. No adverse health events were observed throughout the study. Through this study, Sweetch Natural Sugar Replacement’s claim on zero glycemic index (GI) is proven legitimate.