Assessment of the Physiological Effects of Aspartame, Stevia, and Omega-3 on Body Weight and Organ Weights of Male Rabbits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65336/WJAMS.2026.3504Keywords:
Aspartame, Stevia, Omega-3, Male Rabbits, Body Weight, Organ Weight.Abstract
Background: The widespread consumption of artificial and natural sweeteners has raised concerns regarding their potential physiological effects, particularly on reproductive and neural health. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Objective: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with aspartame, stevia, and omega-3 fatty acids, alone or in combination, on body weight, testes weight, and brain weight in adult male rabbits. Methods: Thirty male rabbits were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n=5 each): Control, Aspartame, Stevia, Omega-3, Stevia + Omega-3, and Aspartame + Omega-3. Body weights and organ weights (testes and brain) were recorded after the experimental period. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in final body weights among all groups. However, significant variations were detected in testes weight (F = 3.35, P = 0.019) and brain weight (F = 4.18, P = 0.007). The Omega-3 group exhibited the highest testes (5.430 ± 0.242 g) and brain (5.340 ± 0.361 g) weights. Aspartame-treated rabbits showed the lowest testes weight (3.50 ± 0.30 g), while the Aspartame + Omega-3 combination resulted in the lowest brain weight (3.400 ± 0.245 g). Conclusion: While sweeteners and omega-3 supplementation did not affect overall growth performance, they significantly influenced reproductive and neural organ weights. Omega-3 demonstrated protective effects, whereas aspartame showed potential adverse effects on testicular and brain tissues.
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