Sucralose is an artificial no-calorie sweetener. It is not a sugar. More and more people are finding that it is dangerous to their health.
It is actually a substance created by a chemical process in which 3 chlorine molecules are added to a sucrose (sugar) molecule. The resulting substance, called Sucralose, is a chlorocarbon similar to the pesticide DDT.
It is not metabolized by the body and not fully excreted by the body as well.
According to the manufacturer of Splenda brand of Sucralose, “Studies have shown that about 15% of ingested Sucralose is passively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract”. New reports are emerging that some people retain all of it for several days in their bodies. In the 1960s, Rachel Carson did some groundbreaking research on the health dangers posed by chlorocarbons such as the DDT. This led to the eventual ban of DDT in developing countries.
Chlorocarbons are known to cause organ, reproductive and genetic damage. Sucralose appears to cause similar health damage. Dr. Janet Hull has studied the health effects of artificial sweeteners extensively and done a great job of educating the general population about it. According to Dr. Hull, Sucralose causes:
- Fertility problems in males
- Gastrointestinal problems in pregnant rats
- Swelling of the kidneys and liver
- Calcification of the kidneys
Sucralose has also been found to shrink the thymus gland by as much as 40 percent. This can lead to a weak immune system.
A 2008 study done at the Duke University Medical Center
(1) found that Sucralose:
- Increases the pH level in your intestines
- Reduces the amount of friendly bacteria in your intestines by 50 percent, and
- Affects a glycoprotein in your body that limits the bioavailability of orally administered drugs which can cause serious health problems
Reduction of beneficial bacteria in the stomach can increase the risk of infections.
Sucralose consumers have complained of various adverse effects such as:- Gastrointestinal problems
Most consumers experience one or more of above symptoms typically within 24 hours after the consumption of Sucralose containing products.
Sucralose, like its predecessor Aspartame, has never been Proven Safe for human consumption. There are very few human trials on Sucralose. All of these trials involved less than 100 people and lasted a few days. There has never been a long term scientific study on a large number of people. Most trials have been done on animals and even then there were many reports of adverse health effects.
It was approved by the US FDA in 1998 as a tabletop sweetener and for use in processed foods. It is found in processed foods such as non-alcoholic beverages, chewing gum and mint, bakery products, frozen desserts, fruit juices, gelatins, pharmaceutical drugs, vitamin supplements, weight loss products, liquid and powdered drinks, and toothpaste among others.
Consumers should check the labels of food packages to see if it contains "Sucralose" as one of the ingredients. It is sold under the brand names such as Splenda, Sucraplus, E955 and Sugar free Natura.
Wishing you Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness,
Pankaj Kotak
REFERENCES
1. Abou-Donia MB., et al. Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal p-glycoprotein and cytochrome p-450 in male rats. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2008;71(21):1415-29.
