Title: Consumo de refrigerante reduz a ingestão de alimentos em ratos Wistar
Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the effect of caloric and non-caloric soft drink intake on food consumption, body weight and composition, and metabolic parameters in rats.Methods: Controlled experimental study in which 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups and given food and beverage ad libitum during 17 weeks. The groups were as follows, according to the offered food: Control group – standard chow and water; Caloric soft drink group – standard chow, caloric soft drink, and water; and Non-caloric soft drink group – standard chow, non-caloric soft drink, and water.Results: There was no statistical difference in total energy intake, body weight, and fat deposition between groups. However, the chow energy intake was 45% lower in the caloric soft drink group compared to the control and non-caloric soft drink groups (198.7±0.7 kJ vs. 349.4±2.0 and 373.0±1.3 kJ, respectively), with 46% of the energy provided by the soft drink. The caloric soft drink group consumed 22% more carbohydrate, especially sucrose, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Macronutrient intake was not different between the control and non-caloric soft drink groups, but the caloric soft drink group consumed less protein and lipids when compared to the other groups (3.5±1.0 g of protein vs. 6.2±0.1 and 6.7±0.1 g, respectively; 0.7±0.01 g of lipids vs. 1.3±0.02 g and 1.4±0.02 g, respectively). Consumption of non-caloric soft drinks increased total sodium intake and consumption of both soft drinks decreased water intake. Although body weight varied during the experiment, there was no significant difference between groups at the end of the experiment, and no difference in fat deposition, fasting glucose, insulin and leptin, insulin resistance index, and lipid profile.Conclusions: The consumption of both types of soft drinks did not affect energy intake, body weight and composition, or metabolic parameters; however, it increased fluid intake and decreased water ingestion. Caloric soft drink intake influenced the amount and the quality of solid food consumed, compromising diet quality.