Crave Crush^TM lozenges containing gymnemic acids reduce consumption of high sugar foods

Abstract

Reduction in sugar intake can have a positive effect on body weight and increased intake a negative impact. Gymnemic acids (GA) are antagonists at tongue glucose receptors thus blunting sweet taste. In a previous study GA were formulated in a lozenge, and administered to healthy subjects. Results showed that Crave Crush^TM, containing GA, significantly reduced endpoints of intake and pleasantness for high sugar foods (HSF), but desire for HSF was not significantly reduced. The present trial re-examined the lack of significance in desire in the previous study, with greater number of subjects, additional inclusion criteria and used a cross over design to assess carryover effects. Percent of subjects who choose to eat the first candy offering subsequent to Crave Crush^TM dosing, total candy consumption, pleasantness and desire ratings were assessed. Desire rating for a second candy offering immediately after Crave Crush^TM, but before tasting a second candy, was significantly reduced by comparison to placebo. Additionally, study design improvements broaden the demographic applicability of this lozenge GA approach. No order effects were observed during the crossover. Subjects given Crave Crush^TM lozenges also ate less candy, less often and their perceived pleasantness for their preferred candy was reduced. Crave Crush^TM lozenges significantly reduced desire for and consumption of HSF relative to a placebo. This study provides further support regarding the role of GA in carbohydrate intake reduction, and broadens their potential applications as aids in supporting a healthy weight.

Keywords: Gymnemic acids, high sugar foods, Crave Crush^TM, food desire, food pleasantness.