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by Jim Golick CCN, LDN Certified and Licensed Dietician Nutritionist
The artificial sweetener sucralose, which is sold under the name Splenda™, has become the biggest of the sugar substitutes, surpassing aspartame (NutraSweet™). It is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose (white sugar). The manufacturer of Splenda used to advertise “it tastes like sugar because it’s made from sugar”. This clever advertising ploy was challenged by the sugar industry, which sued them for false advertising. The ads have been withdrawn pending resolution of this suit. What is so wrong with sucralose?
The manufacturing of sucralose starts with sugar, but it is altered with three atoms of chlorine. This results in the formation of a chlorocarbon. Chlorocarbons are unnatural and include carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and methylene chloride—many are known carcinogens. Chlorine is commonly found in insecticides, and bleach-based products, as well as household disinfectants. Some of the more well known compounds include DDT, Chlordane and Lindane.
Research has shown that sucralose can cause the following problems in rats, mice, and rabbits:
• Enlarged liver and kidneys.
• Thymus gland atrophy, up to 40% shrinkage
• Atrophy of spleen and thymus lymph follicles
• Aborted pregnancy
• Decreased fetal body weights
• Reduced growth rate
• Decreased red blood cell count
• Diarrhea
The FDA also reported many other tests as having "inconclusive" results. Yet once again FDA bowed to industry pressure and approved the use of a highly questionable substance.
According to the Sucralose Toxicity Information Center, the "manufacturer's '100's of studies' (some of which show hazards) were clearly inadequate and do not demonstrate safety in long-term use."
Despite the manufacturer's claims to the contrary, sucralose is significantly absorbed and metabolized by the body. The absorbed sucralose has been found to concentrate in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. According to The Sucralose Toxicity Information Center, sucralose is broken down "into small amounts of 1,6-dichlorofructose, a chemical which has not been adequately tested in humans."
To summarize, sucralose is a chlorinated compound, chemically related to common pesticides, which is partially absorbed and metabolized, and can have widespread effects on our mental and physical health. It is prudent to avoid this substance, until proven innocent.
In the next newsletter I’ll discuss xylitol, a safe alternative to artificial sweeteners. In the meantime try to stay away from sugar and artificial sweeteners- ‘cause you’re sweet enough!
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