< Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

The Sweet Kids Study

Are you eligible to participate?

All research studies require potential participants to be screened. This is simple and conducted over the phone in about 5-10 minutes.

Please complete this form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.

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Study Overview

Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center is investigating how swapping sugar sweetened beverages with stevia sweetened beverages impacts weight gain and overall health of children.

Study Eligibility

Healthy 8-12 year old kids 

Study Requirements

This study is going to have 3 groups:

  • Group 1: will consume stevia sweetened beverages
  • Group 2: will consume sugar sweetened beverages
  • Group 3: will consume a flavored drink without sweetener

All groups will consume their respective drinks for 8 or 14 weeks.

How long the children will be in the study depends on their weight:

  • Children who have a BMI less than the 85th percentile (that is, a normal weight) will come for 3 study visits over 8 weeks. 
  • Children with a BMI greater than or equal to the 85th percentile will come for 4 study visits over 14 weeks.

The duration of the visits varies:

  • The first study visit is the longest and may last up to 6 hours.
  • Other visits may last up to 3 or 4 hours.

During the study visit we will:

  • Collect blood samples: around 5 teaspoons
  • Collect stool and urine samples
  • Ask questions about your child’s health, sleep, diet, physical activity, and background.
  • Measure your child’s lean, fat, and bone tissue using a DXA scan
  • Ask your child to wear a fitness and sleep tracker to monitor their physical activity levels and sleep patterns
  • Place a continuous glucose monitor (also known as CMG) to track blood sugar levels over time

Participants will be compensated with $400 or $500 depending on whether they have to come 3 or 4 times. If all trackers (fitness and blood sugar) are returned with complete data, we will provide an
additional bonus.