Evidence supporting the use of: Thaumatin
For the health condition: Sugar Cravings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Thaumatin is a naturally occurring sweet-tasting protein extracted from the katemfe fruit (Thaumatococcus daniellii) found in West Africa. It is approximately 2,000 to 3,000 times sweeter than sucrose and is used as a low-calorie sweetener and flavor modifier in food products. The rationale for using thaumatin to support or treat sugar cravings is based on its intense sweetness and negligible caloric value, offering a substitute for sugar that can help satisfy sweet cravings without the metabolic consequences of high sugar intake.

While thaumatin does provide a sweet taste and is safe for human consumption according to several food safety authorities (including the FDA and EFSA), direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for reducing or treating sugar cravings specifically is limited. Most scientific studies focus on its safety profile, sweetness potency, and application as a sweetener rather than its effects on craving behaviors or appetite regulation. There is no robust clinical trial data demonstrating that thaumatin reduces overall sugar cravings or leads to meaningful changes in dietary habits related to sugar consumption. However, by providing a sweet taste with minimal calories, it is plausible that thaumatin could assist individuals attempting to reduce sugar intake, though this remains indirect evidence.

In summary, the use of thaumatin for sugar cravings is supported by its function as a sugar alternative, but scientific evidence directly linking its use to reduced sugar cravings is weak and largely inferential.

More about Thaumatin
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Other health conditions supported by Thaumatin

Sugar Cravings

Products containing Thaumatin

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