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Is sucralose bad for you? What to know about Splenda
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Sucralose, commonly known as Splenda, is an artificial, zero-calorie sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and is used in various sugar-free products and baked goods.
- It is derived from sucrose but structurally altered to be poorly absorbed and metabolized, making it a popular sugar substitute for weight management and diabetes due to its minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
- Although initially deemed safe by the FDA in 1998, some animal studies have raised concerns about its effects on gut microbiome, metabolic health, and insulin response, but human studies are limited and inconclusive.
- Experts emphasize that typical human consumption levels are much lower than those used in animal studies, and sucralose remains generally recognized as safe with no current recommendation to avoid it if it helps reduce added sugar intake.
- For those hesitant about sucralose, alternatives like Stevia or Monk fruit, which are plant-derived and similarly sweet, can be used, with no clear evidence favoring one non-nutritive sweetener over another.
