By- Christina Sandra Singh
Sucralose is an artificial, non-caloric sweetener and a sugar substitute with a code number of E955 on food labels. It is largely considered that sucralose is shelf-stable and safe for use in many baked goods at elevated temperatures.
A recent study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University revealed how safe the artificial sweetener—sucralose can be for consumers. It was found in the results of the study that human DNA can be broken down by the chemicals found in this sweetener, which can lead to severe health conditions in consumers.
Splenda, which is the brand name of sucralose, is one of the leading sugar substitutes. Also, sucralose is a component of many packaged food products in which it is added as an alternative to sugar. Mostly, artificial sweeteners like sucralose are consumed as sugar alternatives by consumers who want to cut down on their sugar and calorie intake in the hope of reducing their weight or lowering their overall blood sugar levels. Today, these sugar substitutes are regarded as safe for consumption, but the results of the recent study on the impurity of sucralose and its potential danger to human health have created doubt about this sweetening agent in the market.
As indicated by epidemiological research, a rise in major health issues like inflammatory bowel disease, dysbiosis, and colorectal cancer can be associated with sucralose intake through diets. Even in their recent statements, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that these sugar alternatives might not help in reducing body fat; in fact, these can cause various related health issues in the public. Therefore, the agency advised against consuming sweeteners in excessive quantities.
To talk about the study, its main aim was to research and investigate the properties of the impurity, sucralose-6-acetate, found in commercial food samples containing sucralose. It was found that this impurity causes the breakdown of human DNA and is genotoxic (DNA-damaging) in nature. Moreover, the results show that the amount of this particular impurity present in a daily drink containing sucralose surpasses the concern for DNA damage of the consumer.
Furthermore, the researchers went a step ahead and brought the outer lining of the human intestine in contact with this impurity and sucralose itself. They even conducted RNA sequencing to estimate the level of effect this impurity has on human DNA. The analysis showed that the impurity significantly heightened the gene expression associated with health problems like cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Even though sucralose is on the list of six artificial sweeteners that have been approved to be used in processed food items, these shocking results have definitely raised doubtful questions about this sugar substitute regarding its safe-for-consumption attribute. As per the researchers, this study would be followed by further analysis of the artificial sweetener and its impact on consumers.