From the Guidelines
Sucralose is considered safe for consumption and can be a viable option for those looking to reduce sugar intake, but it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The effects of sucralose, an artificial sweetener approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar, have been evaluated in various studies 1, 2, 3. According to the FDA, sucralose is approved for use in a variety of food products and remains stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking 1. Common brand names include Splenda. While most people tolerate sucralose well, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort like bloating or gas.
Key Findings
- Sucralose has minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making it potentially beneficial for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their weight 3.
- The FDA has approved sucralose for use in food products, and it is considered safe for consumption by most regulatory agencies worldwide 1, 2.
- Sucralose is stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking 1.
- Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort like bloating or gas when consuming sucralose.
Recommendations
- Moderation is recommended when using sucralose as part of a balanced diet.
- Individuals with certain conditions, such as obesity and type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, may benefit from using sucralose as a substitute for caloric sweeteners 2.
- Health care providers should be aware that sucralose use in isolation is unlikely to result in substantial weight loss and that observational studies show that sucralose intake is associated with higher rates of metabolic syndrome and diabetes 2.
Evidence Quality
The evidence for the safety and effectiveness of sucralose is based on studies published in reputable journals, including Pediatrics 1, 2 and Diabetes Care 3. However, it is essential to note that the long-term safety of sucralose in childhood has not been assessed in humans, and more research is needed to understand its effects on the microbiome and its relevance to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes 2.
From the Research
Effects of Sucralose on Human Health
- Sucralose is a non-caloric artificial sweetener that has been considered safe for human consumption, but recent studies have raised concerns about its potential health implications 4.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert in 2023 concerning the potential health implications of sucralose, highlighting the need for further research on its effects on human health 4.
Metabolic Effects
- Some studies have found that sucralose consumption has no effect on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, or gut microbiome in healthy individuals 5.
- However, other studies have reported contradictory findings, with some showing that sucralose consumption affects glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations 6.
- A review of clinical trials found that the evidence on the effects of sucralose on glucose metabolism and gut hormones is contradictory due to different protocols used 6.
Gut Microbiome and Inflammatory Response
- Sucralose consumption has been shown to alter the composition of the gut microbiota, which can worsen glycemic control 7.
- A study found that individuals with a higher insulinaemic response after sucralose consumption had lower Bacteroidetes and higher Firmicutes abundances, highlighting the need to address individual responses to sucralose 5.
Safety and Potential Risks
- A critical review of the literature on the safety of sucralose found that the available data demonstrate that sucralose is safe for its intended use as a non-caloric sugar alternative 8.
- However, a more recent study suggested that high artificial sweetener intake, including sucralose, may be associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular risk, and cancer risk 7.
- The role of artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, in the treatment of diabetes and obesity should be reconsidered, and further studies are needed to utilize their beneficial properties in treatment 7.