Splenda users, just when they thought they had found a healthy alternative to sugar and aspertame, have been getting news recently that their friendly sugar substitute may not be so friendly. Reports have been circulating that Splenda is toxic, if not to everyone in the general sense, then at least to some people, such as those who have compromised immune systems or impaired digestion. In a day and age when toxic chemicals are found in our air, water and food, what we need least is to knowingly ingest toxins.
So what is Splenda, how is it made, and is it really bad for us?
Splenda is a zero calorie sugar alternative that's been on the market for 10 years in the United States. Splenda is made in a laboratory from a chemical composition that is based on the chlorination of normal sugar. Spleda is a sugar that has been chemically modified. Splenda has enjoyed a stupendous rise in popularity, and many people find it sweeter and better tasting than any other artificial sweetener.
Between 2000 and 2004, the number of US households using Splenda sweetener increased from 3 to 20 percent. Splenda sales exceeded $177 million in a recent year during which there were only $62 million in sales for the aspartame-based Equal and $52 million in sales for the saccharin-based sweetener Sweet 'N Low.
The company that makes Splenda, McNeil Nutritionals, emphasizes that Splenda has passed some of the most strict food trials on record for any food additive. McNeil says that over 100 of these studies have been conducted on Splenda. Most of these studies have involved animals, which throws into doubt the safety report for humans.
Splenda: Is It Really Made From Sugar?
The chemical name of the Splenda ingredientis sucralose. While sucralose indeed starts off as a sugar molecule, it is the process by which it's manufactured that raises concern. Sucralose is a synthetic chemical that is produced in a five-step patented process. During this process, three chlorine molecules are added to a basic sugar molecule. The initial, natural sugar molecule is a disaccharide that contains two single sugars that are together; these single sugars are glucose and fructose.
The chemical process to make Splenda modifies the chemical constitution of the sugar so much that it is converted into a molecule that does not normally occur in nature. Because this molecule is not natural, the body does not know how to break it down it. According to the manufacturers of Splenda, this is the very grounds on which Splenda is a zero calorie sweetener -- it is not metabolized or digested in the body. Splenda merely passes through the digestive track without depositing any calories.
This is deceptive, however, as Splenda's zero calorie status would only be technically valid if the body did have the capability to metabolize it. More troubling, the fact that Splenda is an unnatural ingredient evokes questions about its safety, especially if used in generous amounts over a long period of time. There is the additional matter of insulin reaction. While research reports are still unclear, the medical community widely theorizes that Splenda produces an increase in insulin levels, which, whether or not calories are present, will signal the body to hold on to fat reserves or even store more fat.
One medical study nullifies the statement that Splenda is not absorbed in the body. In this study (conducted on humans), one in eight participants did not excrete any sucralose after three days of consuming Splenda. Another study (conducted on animals) determined that 15% of ingested sucralose is absorbed into the digestive system and is later stored in the body.
Splenda: Is It Safe?
Nutritionist Janet Starr Hull has researched Splenda and shares these conclusions:
- Splenda is a chlorocarbon, which has a history of creating organ damage, genetic mutation and reproductive issues.
- Splenda can impair the thymus gland, which plays an fundamental role in immune system function.
- Sucralose can induce swelling of the liver and calcification of the kidneys.
- The studies promoted by the makers Splenda only report certain results and do not provide an accurate assessment of the actual health impact of Splenda.
- The cholrine that is used in the process of producing Splenda is a carcinogen, as stated in the OSHA Hazardous Waste Handbook.
- Sucralose is not as health-threatening as Aspartame. If you had to choose between the two, better to choose Splenda. Saccharin is the only artificial sweetener that is in any way fit for consumption. But it is most wise to choose a natural form of sweetener.
- The uncommon sweetness of sucralose (Splenda is rumored as being 600 times sweeter than sugar) only creates greater addiction to the taste of sweetness.
- Unless one's digestion is impaired, any food or substance you ingest will be absorbed. If we give the body a completely indigestible substance (such as margarine), it will move through the body undigested, if it doesn't get bound in the gall bladder. If Splenda is really indigestible, that is a larger problem than the matter of absorption.
- The only benefit to using Splenda is the profit the manufacturer receives.
Splenda Reaction Symptoms
Skin irritation, welts or blisters
Rash
Allergic symptoms
Itching
Swelling
Bloating
Diarrhea
Headache
Tremors
Nausea
Abdominal cramps
Depression
Forgetfulness
Mood swings
Anxiety
Inability to concentrate
Lightheadedness
Panic attacks
Splenda Test to Determine If Splenda is Harming You
The best way to find out if Splenda is impacting your health is to perform this simple test. First, eliminate sucralose completely from your diet for two weeks (as well as all other artificial sweeteners). After two weeks, eat three to five servings of Splenda for up to three days. Do not eat any other variety of artificial sweetener during these two weeks. Watch very carefully how your body responds. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, there is reason to believe that you have a Splenda intolerance. If you have severe reactions, especially on day one, this is a very strong sign that Splenda has an adverse effect on your body. You will do well to avoid Splenda entirely. This test can be performed with any of the artificial sweeteners.
