Sucralose Could Be Linked To DNA Damage, Study Suggests

A recent study suggests that sucralose, a chemical commonly found in the popular sweetener Splenda, could potentially cause cancer and DNA damage.

Published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, the study took a look into how sucralose, a calorie-free sweetener, could affect our health. The focus was on sucralose-6-acetate, a molecule similar to sucralose. It emerges when gut bacteria break down sucralose and can also be found in some commercial sucralose products, including Splenda.

These findings bolster the expanding body of evidence highlighting the potentially harmful effects of artificial sweeteners, from an elevated risk of heart disease to cancer.

So what does sucralose actually do to our bodies? In the experiment, human blood cells exposed to sucralose-6-acetate showed signs of genotoxicity, indicating the ability of the substance to damage DNA. Not only did sucralose inflict direct harm on the DNA, but it also damaged the gut lining, triggering a condition known as leaky gut. Additionally, researchers noted an increase in gene activity tied to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity—all early indicators of cancer.

Now, where can you find this? Sucralose, an FDA-approved general-purpose sweetener, is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. As culinary nutritionist Jackie Newgnet, R.D.N., C.D.N., points out, its brand name, Splenda, is familiar to many because of its heat stability that allows it to be used in baking.

While the FDA suggests a daily sucralose intake of about 23 packets for a 60 kg person, Newgent warns that the recent research should make us rethink this.

So why not give natural way? Try natural liquid sweeteners like date syrup, coconut nectar or maple syrup. If you’re watching your carb intake, zero-calorie plant-derived options like monk fruit or stevia sweetener might be worth exploring.

While the study’s findings are concerning, it’s essential to remember that it was an in-vitro study, meaning more research is needed within the human body for more definitive recommendations. But until then, perhaps it’s time to rethink your daily sugar fix.

Related Content:

• WHO Advises Against Artificial Sweeteners For Weight Loss
• How Artificial Sweeteners Disrupt Your Metabolic Health
• 6 Reasons You Should Reconsider Artificial and Natural Sugar Alternatives
• Fillers and Additives: What to Watch Out For When Buying Stevia
• What You Need to Know About Instant Oatmeal and Your Health

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