Common Myths About Sucralose

Low-calorie sweeteners actually cause weight gain by increasing sugar cravings

Myth: Sucralose was approved following very little testing.

Fact: Sucralose has an excellent safety profile. More than 100 studies, representing over 20 years of research, have shown sucralose to be a safe and remarkably inert ingredient. Experts from a wide range of scientific backgrounds, including government agencies and regulatory authorities, reviewed these studies and concluded there are no harmful effects, even among people consuming the highest amounts of sucralose. More than 80 countries around the world have approved sucralose for use in foods and beverages, without the need for any special warning labels or health information statements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which approved sucralose for certain food and beverage categories in 1999, data was studied “from more than 110 studies in humans and animals. Many of the studies were designed to identify possible toxic effects including carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. No such effects were found, and FDA's approval is based on the finding that sucralose is safe for human consumption.”

Examples of other government and scientific groups that have reviewed any toxicity concerns and confirmed sucralose’s safety include:

Myth: Low-calorie sweeteners actually cause weight gain by increasing sugar cravings.

Fact: A number of studies over the years have determined that low-calorie sweeteners do not increase appetite, food intake or weight gain. In fact, the vast majority of scientific literature confirms the safety and benefits of using low-calorie sweeteners and low-calorie products for weight control and weight loss. For example, a team of researchers from Harvard spent two years investigating how the addition of a low-calorie sweetener to a multidisciplinary weight control program would affect obese women. They found the low-calorie sweetener not only helped with weight loss, but also with long-term weight maintenance. Another study, published in a recent issue of Pediatrics, discovered that overweight children could prevent further weight gain simply by walking another 2,000 steps a day and reducing their intake by 100 calories. This caloric reduction was accomplished by replacing full calorie foods and beverages with foods and beverages contains sucralose (or Splenda).

Low-calorie sweeteners can help assist people in their weight loss/control efforts because low-calorie sweeteners (such as sucralose) reduce overall calories in a food/beverage while maintaining good taste. However, low-calorie sweeteners (and the products that contain them) are not a magic bullet.  Instead, low-calorie sweeteners are tools which can be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a balanced diet. The American Diabetes Association,  American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association, agree that reduced-calorie foods and beverages are a good option for those who want to control their weight and maintain a better lifestyle. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses. A recent review of research found low-calorie sweeteners may be one piece of the puzzle in helping solve the obesity problem. The authors point out that low-calorie sweeteners are not appetite suppressants and they do not cause weight loss, but “… they have been shown to be associated with some modest weight loss….”

So have some sucralose with your coffee. It will do your body - and your waistline - good.

Myth: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume sucralose.

Fact: Research has shown that sucralose does not have harmful effects on pregnant women or their babies. A number of studies required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were conducted, with results supporting the safety of sucralose during pregnancy and nursing. This includes studies that specifically examined the potential effects of sucralose on embryo-fetal development, which showed no birth defects or any other effect that would compromise normal development. Although sucralose can be safely consumed as part of a healthful prenatal and postnatal diet, any expectant mother should talk to her physician or health care provider about consuming the necessary nutrients to support her and her baby's health throughout pregnancy and infancy.

Myth: Sucralose is not safe for children.

Fact: Studies have documented that sucralose is safe for use by children of all ages. In fact, sucralose can be part of the solution to the growing problem of childhood obesity by helping to reduce the amount of added sugars children consume daily. Foods containing sucralose – such as low-fat flavored milk, yogurt, juices and puddings – can be included in a healthy meal plan for children to help ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients, while not getting a lot of extra calories. In a study published in Pediatrics a few years ago, researchers discovered that overweight children could prevent further weight gain simply by walking another 2,000 steps and eliminating just 100 calories each day using products sweetened with sucralose (also known as Splenda®). This was one of the first times clinical evidence proved that overweight children could effectively prevent excess weight gain by making small changes to their lifestyle.

Myth: Sucralose causes various side effects including headaches, allergies and gastrointestinal issues.

Fact: Scientists have conducted many studies on sucralose to determine whether it had any effect on a number of different health conditions including growth and development, risk of cancer, any side effects when consumed, developmental abnormalities such as birth defects and effects on the nervous system. Researchers have concluded that there are no known side effects of sucralose. No toxic effects have been seen in test animals, even in amounts equivalent in sweetness to more than 40 pounds of sugar per day for life – far in excess of the amount of sucralose that may typically be consumed in a day in real life. For example, research does not support that sucralose would cause migraines and headaches, gastrointestinal issues or food allergies. It's important to note that sucralose is often used in foods which contain other ingredients that some people may be sensitive to, such as ice cream or chocolate.

Myth: Sucralose is not a good product for baking.

Fact: Sucralose can be used almost anywhere sugar is used, allowing for a variety of choices when planning low-calorie meals. Sucralose is exceptionally heat stable, making it ideal for use in baking, canning, pasteurization and other manufacturing processes that require high temperatures. In studies among a wide range of baked goods, canned fruits, syrups, jams and jellies, no measurable loss of sucralose occurred during processing and throughout shelf life. In scientific taste tests conducted by independent research organizations, sucralose was found to have a taste profile very similar to sugar with no unpleasant aftertaste. Overall, sucralose combines the taste of sugar with the heat, liquid and storage stability required for use in all types of foods and beverages. It is very stable in acidic products such as carbonated soft drinks, and in other liquid-based products such as sauces, jelly, milk products and processed fruit drinks. Sucralose is also very stable in dry applications such as powdered beverages, instant desserts, and tabletop sweeteners. As a result, consumers are able to enjoy a wide variety of low-calorie products sweetened with sucralose. For more information on how best to use sucralose (Splenda® No Calorie sweetener) in home baking, visit www.splenda.com

Myth: Sucralose affects blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Fact: Numerous studies show that sucralose is not recognized by the body as a sugar or a carbohydrate. Instead, it passes rapidly through the body virtually unchanged and has no effect on carbohydrate metabolism, short- or long-term blood glucose control or insulin secretion. These studies included high-dose prolonged-use studies involving people with diabetes and those without the condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the overall data on sucralose supports its safety for the general population, including people with diabetes. Foods and beverages sweetened with sucralose offer people with diabetes a much wider variety of products from which to choose and greater flexibility in budgeting total carbohydrate intake. Thus, sucralose-sweetened products can help them follow nutrition recommendations and still enjoy good-tasting foods.

Myth: Sucralose isn't safe because it contains chlorine.

Fact: The sucralose molecule contains three atoms of chlorine, which helps intensify the sweetness of sugar and remove the calories. However, there is no reason to be concerned. The chlorine in sucralose does not separate in the body, nor does sucralose accumulate in the body. In fact, it is the presence of these chlorine atoms that prevents sucralose from being broken down in the body for energy, thus, making sucralose non-caloric. Extensive research shows that sucralose can be used safely by everyone. It's important to remember that chlorine is a natural component of table salt, which is naturally present in many foods such as lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and peanut butter. Chlorine is also part of more complex molecules naturally found in other foods like lentils, peas and potatoes. In addition, chlorine is added to most public drinking water supplies.