In the realm of artificial sweeteners, sucralose, widely recognized by its brand name Splenda®, has been a popular choice for those seeking a low-calorie sugar substitute. However, recent research has cast a shadow over its sweet reputation, revealing potential health risks that could be a cause for concern.
Sugar
Sucralose: A High-Intensity Sweetener Under Scrutiny
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes sucralose as a high-intensity sweetener. These substances, either naturally derived or chemically synthesized, deliver a sweetness that can be tens to thousands of times more potent than regular table sugar (sucrose), yet they contribute minimal or no calories to the diet.
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A study spearheaded by a research team from the University of North Carolina, as published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, has brought to light that sucralose may lead to the production of a compound known as sucralose-6-acetate in the stomach. This compound has been identified as genotoxic, implying that it could potentially harm DNA.
The Unsettling Impact on Gut Health
The researchers embarked on a series of in vitro experiments, subjecting human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate and monitoring markers of genotoxicity. “We found that sucralose-6-acetate is genotoxic and effectively breaks DNA in cells exposed to the chemical,” states Susan Schiffman, the principal investigator of the study.
The research team also exposed human intestinal tissues to this substance. Schiffman explains, “Studies have shown that sucralose can harm intestinal health, so we wanted to see what could happen.” The exposure of intestinal epithelial tissues – the tissue lining the intestinal wall – to both sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate resulted in a ‘leaky gut.’ This condition denotes increased intestinal wall permeability, leading to damage at the interfaces where intestinal wall cells connect.
A leaky gut is a significant health concern as it allows substances that would typically be excreted from the body in feces to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
A Call for Caution with Sucralose
The genetic activity of intestinal cells in response to sucralose-6-acetate was also examined. Schiffman adds, “We found that intestinal cells exposed to sucralose-6-acetate had increased activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity.”
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These findings have raised alarm bells. Schiffman asserts, “It’s time to review the safety and regulatory status of sucralose, as it is increasingly evident that it carries significant risks.” She advises against the consumption of products containing sucralose, stating, “It’s something you should not eat.”
In the U.S., the FDA stipulates that sweeteners must be safe for consumption. Companies bear the responsibility of ensuring the regulatory compliance and safety of the ingredients in their products before marketing. The FDA continues to monitor the latest scientific findings on sweeteners. Each time a food additive petition or a GRAS notice for a sweetener is filed, the agency reassesses the science about the exposure and safety of the sweetener. The FDA recommends that sweetened and sugary drinks should not replace water consumption. Thus, the sweet allure of sucralose may warrant a second thought.
Read Also: Sweet Drinks Including Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
References
Schiffman, S. S., Scholl, E. H., Furey, T. S., & Nagle, H. T. (2023). Toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of sucralose-6-acetate and its parent sucralose: in vitro screening assays. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2023.2213903
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