We are keeping this short and sweet (pun intended). If you use Sucralose or the branded name of Splenda, STOP! This artificial sweetener not only damages DNA but also causes leaky gut.
The findings by the University of North Carolina led by Susan Schiffman and her team shed light on a potential health concern regarding sucralose-6-acetate, a compound related to sucralose (a common artificial sweetener). Their research establishes that this substance is genotoxic, meaning it has the potential to damage DNA, which could have implications for long-term health.
Additionally, their study points out that small amounts of sucralose-6-acetate are present in commercial sucralose products. This means consumers may be exposed to this compound even before the sweetener undergoes metabolic changes in the body.
How was this toxic chemical let through?
Simple, The FDA requires that various types of clearances are passed based on what is being sold. For food, it is actually less strict than we think. Â For Food and Dietary Ingredients:
GRAS Notification: Companies are responsible for providing scientific evidence or demonstrating a history of safe use to support the ingredient's safety.
Food Additive Petition: Requires detailed safety data from studies conducted by the manufacturer or its contracted researchers.
As you can see, it's up to the company selling the product to conduct and submit the research. If the company's research is found to be negligent, than they are usually given a small fine or a slap on the wrist. sometimes the money they will make will far outstrip any consequences of a fine.
Here are some other symptoms:
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Swelling
Abdominal Tenderness
Amenorrhea
Back Pain
Blurry Vision
Breathlessness
Fatigue
Head Pain
Hip Pain
Insomnia
Interstitial Cystitis
Joint Pain
Neck Pain
Ringing In Ears
Seeing Spots
Shoulder Pain
Tingling In Hands
Unexplained Weight Gain
Vaginal Bleeding
What foods is Sucralose found in?
Sucralose was released on the U.S. market in 5/1/98 and can be found in more than 5,400 products- YIKES! It is found in every type of food product
Beverages: Diet sodas, sugar-free energy drinks, flavored water, and certain low-calorie fruit juices.
Dairy and Alternatives: Sugar-free or reduced-calorie yogurts and flavored milk substitutes like almond or soy milk.
Snacks and Sweets: Sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods.
Condiments: Reduced-calorie salad dressings and sugar-free ketchup.
Frozen Desserts: Sugar-free ice creams and frozen yogurts.
Breakfast Items: Reduced-calorie cereals and sugar-free pancake syrups.
Health Products: Protein powders, meal replacement bars, and various low-calorie snacks
Sucralose is also found in personal care products like toothpaste and certain pharmaceuticals, where it helps mask bitterness without contributing to cavities. If you're looking to avoid or minimize intake, check ingredient labels for "sucralose" or its additive code "E955."
What sugar substitutes can you use?
The best substitutes to use are monk fruit and stevia but beware, many companies mix these sweeteners with others. Here is a list of sweeteners.
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are synthetically produced and are much sweeter than sugar, allowing smaller quantities to be used.
Aspartame: Found in diet sodas and sugar-free desserts. (Examples: Equal, NutraSweet)
Saccharin: One of the oldest sweeteners, found in tabletop packets and diet foods. (Example: Sweet’N Low)
Sucralose: Used in baking, beverages, and processed foods. (Example: Splenda)
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Common in sugar-free candies and gum.
Calorie-Free.
2. Natural Sweeteners
These are derived from natural sources and can be used in raw or processed forms.
Stevia: Extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant. (Examples: Truvia, Pure Via)
Monk Fruit Extract: Derived from monk fruit, offering a zero-calorie sweetness. (Example: Lakanto)
Allulose: A rare sugar found in small quantities in fruits. It has minimal calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.
Low or No Calorie.
3. Sugar Alcohols
These are naturally occurring or synthesized compounds that taste sweet but have fewer calories than sugar.
Xylitol: Common in sugar-free gum and toothpaste.
Erythritol: Often used in baking and low-calorie snacks.
Maltitol: Found in sugar-free candies and desserts.
Moderate Calorie Reduction.
4. Novel Sweeteners
A combination of natural and artificial methods, often used for specific applications.
Tagatose: Similar in structure to sugar but with fewer calories.
Trehalose: Used in processed foods for its mild sweetness and preservative properties.
5. High-Fructose Sweeteners
While technically sugar substitutes, high-fructose corn syrup is used to mimic sugar’s sweetness in processed foods. It is less calorie-reducing than others.
6. Non-Caloric Plant-Based Alternatives
These are gaining popularity due to their natural origin.
Agave Inulin: Derived from agave, it also serves as a fiber.
Chicory Root Fiber: Found in "no sugar added" snacks for sweetness and gut health.
What does this mean for you?
Do your own research. Trust in what your body is telling you and eat a much cleaner diet than you may want to. I use a app called "bobby approved" which helps me when shopping. I pull out my phone and scan the product. The free app quickly if something in the ingredients is suspect, saving my eyesight and time at the supermarket.
Our bodies don't know what to do with processed foods. It's a mix a chemicals and ingredients that have already been broken down and as such, bypasses much of the proteins and acids used by the body to prepare food for optimum use. These processed foods are essentially empty calories because they don't have a great deal of benefit for us.
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