What do experts say about alleged sucralose side effects? Is there any
evidence behind cancer, toxicity or allergy concerns?
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 or had any side effects when consumed, developmental abnormalities such as birth defects and effects on the nervous system. Researchers have concluded that sucralose has no known side effects or health risks.
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 (such as ice cream or chocolate) which contain other ingredients that some people may be sensitive to.
Chlorine: Is its use in sucralose a health risk? Are their dangers in sucralose regarding Chlorine?
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.
What should people with diabetes know about sucralose in their diet? Have sufficient studies been conducted to refute claims of sucralose adverse effects?
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.
Sucralose in the diet during pregnancy: What mothers should read regarding claims of side effects for themselves, or their infants and children. Is it safe?
Regarding pregnancy, research has shown that sucralose does not have harmful effects on expectant 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.
In fact, studies have documented that sucralose is safe for use by children of all ages. 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.
