A new piece of research has hit the media this week highlighting some possible negative effects of Splenda (aka sucralose). These effects are: “Reduces the amount of good bacteria in the intestines by 50%, increases the pH level in the intestines, contributes to increases in body weight, and affects the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the body in such a way that crucial health-related drugs could be rejected.”
Here’s some thing to keep in mind before changing your use of Splenda or your hatred of artificial sweeteners is intensified.
- This is just one study. Practice is never changed by one study. One study can definately tip us off to some important things to think about and where further research is needed.
- The subjects of this study were rats, not humans. Rats are a typical subject group and the FDA also tested on rats in their studies. I still say they are rats.
- This study was funded by the Sugar Association. Hmmmm. You always have to say that when you find out who funded a huge project against a competetor. This is not to say that the research is bogus. In fact, the researchers have already made a public statement saying the funders had nothing to do with the results.
Adverse effects of sucralose were found at a level of 1.1-11 mg/kg of body weight. The FDA recommends a safe level of sucralose at 5 mg/kg of body weight.
So what do we do now? I still stand by the fact that artificial sweeteners are generally safe to consume. However, I always respect those who choose to avoid them altogether. I think each person should make their own decision until more valid research is available. I think this study can lead us to think that maybe too much is not good. I encourage you to look at just how much artificial sweetener you are getting in your diet. We shouldn’t use Splenda in everything, but most dietitians have felt that way from the beginning. Yes, switching to a diet soda is a good choice calorie-wise. But if you are now drinking several diet sodas a day, we have another problem to address from a healthy-eating perspetive.
