Can consuming protein shakes or protein bars with sucralose, stevia, or erythritol effect body fat? This is in terms of maintaining very low body fat percentage.
It might affect your metabolic health if you are consuming stuff in protein powders like maltodextrin, which has a Glycemic Index higher than table sugar.
Not sure how much they actually put in, but I am suspicious of powders that actually taste good.
Bodyfat no, but overall health, maybe. IMO sugar substitutes have their place, such as people who went through gastric bypass surgery (to avoid dumping syndrome) or have type-2 diabetes and need to control their blood sugar levels while enjoying some things they like. I’d say it’s okay in moderation but be aware it can cause diarrhea / stomach discomfort in large amounts (and sugar alcohols as well). Normal sugar and other sweetness such as honey and maple syrup are all okay to have, just portion control. People say sugar subs can change your gut microbiome but there still needs more research to truly confirm it. Just monitor if it’s something you can tolerate and enjoy.
Artificial sweeteners cause the body to start releasing insulin. The insulin release can begin when your tongue senses something sweet.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014832/
It’s possible that the Increased insulin production can lead to an increase in fat storage if you are consuming the sweetener with other high calorie items.