Russian Study Finds Brazzein-Sweetened Ice Cream Halves Blood Sugar Spikes in Patients with Liver Disease
A new study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN indicates that brazzein, a protein sweetener 2,000 times sweeter than sugar, can significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Researchers from the Federal Research Center of Nutrition in Russia tested vanilla ice cream sweetened with brazzein against sugar-sweetened versions in 101 adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The results showed that blood sugar rises were approximately half as large when consuming brazzein-sweetened ice cream, with even more pronounced effects in participants with type 2 diabetes. While the study notes that other ingredients in the sugar-free recipes may have contributed to the results, it suggests brazzein could be a viable sugar substitute for patients managing metabolic conditions. The researchers emphasize that longer-term studies are needed to determine if these short-term benefits translate into sustained metabolic or hepatic improvements.
Key points
- Brazzein is a protein sweetener originally found in West African fruit, now produced by engineered fungi, and is up to 2,000 times sweeter than sugar by weight.
- The study involved 101 adults with MASLD, a condition often linked to obesity and diabetes, who consumed 100-gram servings of vanilla ice cream sweetened with sugar, brazzein, or brazzein with inulin.
- Post-meal blood sugar spikes were significantly lower for both brazzein and brazzein-inulin groups compared to the sugar group, with reductions being more noticeable in participants with type 2 diabetes.
- Researchers caution that the sugar-free ice cream formulations contained other ingredients, making it difficult to attribute the blood sugar reduction solely to brazzein.
- Brazzein is stable at temperatures up to 80°C and across various acidity levels, making it suitable for various food applications, though it lacks the bulk and viscosity provided by sugar.
- The study calls for longer-term research to assess the impact of brazzein-sweetened foods on liver fat, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions over months or years.
Background
This development follows recent discussions on the role of blood sugar spikes in health. In October 2026, experts clarified that temporary blood sugar rises are a normal physiological response for healthy individuals, challenging wellness trends that advocate for strict carbohydrate restriction. Additionally, in September 2026, nutritionists recommended balanced breakfasts combining protein, fiber, and fats to stabilize energy levels, highlighting the importance of dietary composition in managing metabolic health. The current study on brazzein adds to the ongoing search for effective sugar substitutes that can maintain sweetness without adverse metabolic effects, particularly for individuals with conditions like MASLD.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that brazzein could be a practical sugar substitute for individuals with metabolic disorders, offering a way to enjoy sweet foods without significant blood sugar spikes. This could improve adherence to dietary recommendations, as strict sugar restriction is often unrealistic. However, the study's limitations, including the narrow participant group and the presence of other ingredients in the test foods, mean that broader applications and long-term effects remain to be seen. Future research will be crucial in determining if brazzein can provide sustained benefits for liver health and diabetes management.
What to watch
Researchers are calling for longer-term studies to evaluate the impact of brazzein-sweetened foods on metabolic, hepatic, microbiome, and behavioral outcomes. These studies will need to track participants over months or years to determine if the short-term blood sugar reductions translate into sustained health benefits. Additionally, further investigation is needed to isolate the effects of brazzein from other ingredients in sugar-free formulations and to assess its applicability in a wider range of foods beyond ice cream.
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