Splenda

August 23, 2003

I don't drink any sodas (just don't like them) and my favorite beverage is honeybush or rooibos tea!! LOVE them and they are very healthy.

-Helen

-

uping my water over 64 oz's a day now.

It's a start.

Greg

August 23, 2003

From Dr. Mercola's

site:http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm

The Potential Dangers of Sucralose

There's a new artificial sweetener on the block and it is already in a

wide range of products (CLICK HERE to see list), some even sold in

health food stores and manufactured by nutritionally-oriented companies.

But is it proven safe? Does it provide any benefit to the public? Does

it help with weight loss? Are there any long term human studies? Has it

been shown to be safe for the environment? The answer to all of these

questions is unfortunately a resounding NO.

The artificial sweetener sucralose, which is sold under the name

Splendaâ„¢, is one of the up-and-coming " next generation " of

high-intensity sugar substitutes. It is non-caloric and about 600 times

sweeter than sucrose (white table sugar), although it can vary from 320

tp 1,000 times sweeter, depending on the food application. The white

crystalline powder tastes like a lot like sugar, but is more intense in

its sweetness.

How it is Manufactured

Sucralose is produced by chlorinating sugar (sucrose). This involves

chemically changing the structure of the sugar molecules by substituting

three chlorine atoms for three hydroxyl groups.

History

Sucralose was discovered in 1976 by researchers working under the

auspices of Tate & Lyle Ltd., a large British sugar refiner. In 1980,

Tate & Lyle arranged with Johnson & Johnson, the world's largest health

care company, to develop sucralose. Johnson & Johnson formed McNeil

Speciality Products Company in 1980 to commercialize sucralose.

In 1991, Canada became the first nation to approve the use of sucralose.

In April, 1998 the US Food and Drug Administration granted approval for

sucralose to be used in a variety of food products (CLICK HERE for

complete list of products using sucralose). Diet RC cola was the first

US product with sucralose, introduced in May 1998.

Sucralose is not yet approved for use in most European countries, where

it is still under review.

Safety Concerns

Few human studies of safety have been published on sucralose. One small

study of diabetic patients using the sweetener showed a statistically

significant increase in glycosylated hemoglobin (Hba1C), which is a

marker of long-term blood glucose levels and is used to assess glycemic

control in diabetic patients. According to the FDA, " increases in

glycosolation in hemoglobin imply lessening of control of diabetes.

Research in animals has shown that sucralose can cause many problems in

rats, mice, and rabbits, such as:

* Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40% shrinkage)

* Enlarged liver and kidneys.

* Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus

* Increased cecal weight

* Reduced growth rate

* Decreased red blood cell count

* Hyperplasia of the pelvis

* Extension of the pregnancy period

* Aborted pregnancy

* Decreased fetal body weights and placental weights

* Diarrhea

According to one source (Sucralose Toxicity Information Center),

concerning the significant reduction in size of the thymus gland, " the

manufacturer claimed that the sucralose was unpleasant for the rodents

to eat in large doses and that starvation caused the shruken thymus

glands.

[Toxicologist Judith] Bellin reviewed studies on rats starved under

experimental conditions, and concluded that their growth rate could be

reduced by as much as a third without the thymus losing a significant

amount of weight (less than 7 percent). The changes were much more

marked in rats fed on sucralose. While the animals' growth rate was

reduced by between 7 and 20 percent, their thymuses shrank by as much as

40 percent. (New Scientist 23 Nov 1991, pg 13) " Â

A compound chemically related to sucrose, 6-chloro-deoxyglucose, is

known to have anti-fertility and neurotoxic effects, although animal

studies of sucralose have not shown these effects.

According to the FDA's " Final Rule " report, " Sucralose was weakly

mutagenic in a mouse lymphoma mutation assay. " The FDA aslo reported

many other tests as having " inconclusive " results.

Just how few studies currently exist on sucralose is an issue. Endurance

News provides the following table illustrating this fact:

Sweetener

# of Studies*

Saccharin

2374

Aspartame

598

Cyclamates

459

Acesulfame-K

28

Sucralose

19

*Number of studies determined by MEDLINE search.

In terms of safety, it is not just the original substance (sucralose)

that one needs to worry about. As the FDA notes, " Because sucralose may

hydrolyze in some food products...the resulting hydrolysis products may

also be ingested by the consumer. "

Is There Any Long-Term Human Research?

None. According to the Medical Letter on Drugs & Therapeutics, " Its

long-term safety is unknown. " According to the Sucralose Toxicity

Information Center, the " Manufacturer's '100's of studies' (some of

which show hazards) were clearly inadequate and do not demonstrate

safety in long-term use. "

Is Sucralose Absorbed or Metabolized?

Despite the manufacturer's claims to the contrary, sucralose is

significantly absorbed and metabolized by the body. According to the

FDA's " Final Rule " report, 11% to 27% of sucralose is absorbed in

humans, and the rest is excreted unchanged in feces. According to the

Japanese Food Sanitation Council, as much as 40% of ingested sucralose

is absorbed.

Plasma sucralose has been reported to have a half-life of anywhere from

2 to 5 hours in most studies, although the half-life in rabbits was

found to be much longer at about 36 hours.

About 20% to 30% of absorbed sucralose is metabolized. Both the

metabolites and unchanged absorbed sucralose are excreted in urine. The

absorbed sucralose has been found to concentrate in the liver, kidney,

and gastrointestinal tract. According to The Sucralose Toxicity

Information Center, sucralose is broken down " into small amounts of

1,6-dichlorofructose, a chemical which has not been adequtely tested in

humans. "

Chlorinated Pesticides

According to Consumers Research Magazine " Some concern was raised about

sucralose being a chlorinated molecule. Some chlorinated molecules serve

as the basis for pesticides such as D.D.T., and accumulate in body fat.

However, Johnson & Johnson emphasized that sucralose passes through the

body unabsorbed. "

Of course, this assertion about not being absorbed is complete nonsense.

As shown above, a substantial amount of sucralose is absorbed, so the

argument is not valid.

According to the HAD, " The manufacturer claims that the chlorine added

to sucralose is similar to the chlorine atom in the salt (NaCl)

molecule. That is not the case. Sucralose may be more like ingesting

tiny amounts of chlorinated pesticides, but we will never know without

long-term, independent human research. "

Contaminants

The FDA acknowledges that sucralose " is produced at an approximate

purity of 98%. " While that may sound pretty pure, just what is in that

other 2%? It turns out that the final sucralose product contains small

amounts of potentially dangerous substances such as:

* Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead)

* Arsenic

* Triphenilphosphine Oxide

* Methanol

* Chlorinated Disaccharides

* Chlorinated Monosaccharide

Although manufacturing guidelines do specify limits on these substances

there is no guarantee that such limits will always be met.

Environmental Concerns

Despite the fact that a portion of sucralose is metabolized into some

chemicals of questionable safety, a majory of the consumed sucralose is

excreted unchanged in the feces and urine. While that may be good for

the person using the product, it may not be so great for the environment.

Although sucralose is being flushed down toilets wherever sucralose is

approved for sale, what happens to it next is simply a matter for

speculation. I know of no studies showing what happens to the chemical

when the raw sewage is treated and then released back into the

environment.

*

Does it remain stabile or react with other substances to form new

compounds?

*

Is the sucralose or any resulting chemicals safe for the environment?

*

How will this chemical affect aquatic life such as fish, as well as

other animals?

* Will sucralose begin to appear in our water supplies, just as some

drugs are beginning to be found.

Of course, we will likely not know the answers to these questions for

many years, if at all. One of the main reasons for this is that the FDA

did not require an Environmental Impact Statement for sucralose, because

in their words, " the action will not have a significant impact on the

human environment. "

One study did find that sucralose is metabolized by microrganisms in

both the water and soil (Labare 94). However, the ecological impact of

this new chemical being introduced into the environment is unknown.

Is There a Benefit for Consumers?

According to Consumers' Research Magazine, sucralose provides some

benefits for the corporations making and using it, but not for

consumers. They state:

But are such foods truly beneficial and desirable? Diabetics, weight

watchers, and the general public might make better food choices by

selecting basic, rather than highly processed foods; for example,

apples, rather than turnovers; or plain, rather than sweetened, dairy

foods.Â

They note that non-caloric artificial sweeteners are not replacing, but

rather supplementing conventional sweeteners. They note that as of 1990

Americans were consuming an average of 20 pounds (sugar sweetness

equivalency) of artificial sweeteners, and as consumption of

sugar-substitutes has risen so too has consumption of sugar.

Does Sucralose Help with Weight Loss?

According to Consumers' Research Magazine " There is no clear-cut

evidence that sugar substitutes are useful in weight reduction. On the

contrary, there is some evidence that these substances may stimulate

appetite. "

Where is Sucralose Found?

In the United States, the FDA has granted approval for the use of

sucralose in 15 food and beverage categories: (For a complete list of

products containing sucralose CLICK HERE)

* Baked goods and baking mixes

* Chewing gum

* Confections and frostings

* Fats and oils (salad dressings)

* Fruit and water ices

* Jams and jellies

* Processed fruits and fruit juices

* Sweet sauces, toppings and syrups

* Beverages and beverage bases

* Coffee and tea

* Dairy product analogs

* Frozen dairy desserts and mixes

* Gelatins, puddings and fillings

* Milk products

* Sugar substitutes

For a complete list of products containing sucralose CLICK HERE

Comparison to Other Sweeteners

Its promoters cite several benefits over other sweeteners, such as:

* Unlike saccharin, sucralose leaves no bitter aftertaste.

* Unlike other artificial sweeteners, it remains stable at high

temperatures.

* Unlike sugar, it does not raise blood glucose levels

As a comparison to sucralose's 600-fold sweetness increase over sugar,

consider the other artificial sweeteners on the market:

* Saccharin (Sweet-and -Low) - 300 to 500 times sweeter

* Aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal) - 150 to 200 times sweeter

* Acesulfame K (Sunette) - 200 times sweeter.

Big Business

A 1998 report in Chemical Week states that the high-intensity sweetener

market is about $1.5-billion/year. About 70%-80% of that market is made

up of soft drink sweeteners, of which aspartame has a near monopoly.

They note that although sucralose is 50% sweeter than aspartame, it will

be difficult to persuade many soft drink producers to give up NutraSweet

(aspartame) since it is widely accepted by consumers.

Is Anyone Monitoring Post-Approval Reactions?

Apparently not. With no established system for monitoring and tracking

post-approval adverse effects, how can it ever be established whether

large-scale and long-term consumption of sucralose is safe?

Technical Information

Sucralose is made from sucrose by substituting three chlorine atoms for

three hydroxyl groups to yield

1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-BETA-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galacto\

pyranoside.

This is accomplished in a five-step process.

Prolonged storage, particularly at high temperatures and low pH, causes

the sucralose to break down into 4-chloro-4-deoxy-galactose (4CG) and

1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxyfructose (1,6 DCF),

The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry number (CAS Reg. No.) for

sucralose is 56038-13-2.

Should Sucralose be Avoided?

The Holistic Medicine Web Page cites the following reasons to avoid

sucralose:

* Pre-approval tests indicated potential toxicity of sucralose.

* There are no *independent* controlled human studies on sucralose

(similar to 15 years ago for aspartame).

* There are no long-term (12-24 months) human studies of sucralose's

effects.

* There is no monitoring of health effects. It took government

agencies decades to agree that there were countless thousands of deaths

from tobacco. Why? Simply because there had been no monitoring or

epidemiological studies. Without such monitoring and studies, huge

effects can easily go unnoticed.

Do Products with Sucralose Carry Any Warning Labels Or Information

Statements?

No. The regulatory agencies and scientific review bodies that have

endorsed the safety of sucralose have not required any warning

information to be placed on the labels of products sweetened with

sucralose.

Conclusions

The Sucralose Toxicity Information Center concludes that:

While it is unlikely that sucralose is as toxic as the poisoning people

are experiencing from Monsanato's aspartame, it is clear from the

hazards seen in pre-approval research and from its chemical structure

that years or decades of use may contribute to serious chronic

immunological or neurological disorders.

The Consumer's Research Magazine concludes that:

As Americans continue to choose ever-increasing amounts of such foods

and beverages, sweeteners may soar to higher consumption levels. The

long-range health effects from such escalation need careful evaluation.

Do additional approved sweetening agents truly contribute to good

health? Do they really meet special dietary needs? Or, do they merely

further encourage poor dietary choices?

------

Recent Examples of What Splenda Can Do To You

Dear Dr. Mercola,

I wanted to thank you for posting your article regarding sucralose, and

to inform you of my reaction to eating it today.

I bought a low-carb bar called " Ultimate Lo Carb " by Biochem at a local

health food store. I have been eating foods low in starchy carbs and

thought this might be a good snack bar. Well, almost immediately after

eating eat I became nauseous. Then my stomach starting cramping and I

began dry heaving.

I wondered what could have caused this and decided to try and read the

label. The only ingredient I did not recognize was " sucralose " .

So, I jumped on the internet and did a search for it and found your

article. In the meantime I was heaving and feeling even worse. Well, I

am allergic to chlorine, as well as having a liver that doesn't function

very well (I take a natural supplement called " Lipogen " for liver

support as prescribed by my ND), and when I saw what you had to say

about sucralose, I figured that was what was causing it.

I kept feeling worse, and I decided I needed to get it out of my system

and took some ipecac (maybe not the best move, but the only thing I

could think of). By the time the syrup got into my stomach the heaving

was getting worse and intestinal distress was setting in. It was like

eating bad seafood. I nearly died of food poisoning by crab legs a

number of years back, and this was the closest thing to that feeling.

Finally everything in my system started coming out, and my body didn't

stop until my entire digestive tract was cleared out. I have never

reacted this violently to anything I have eaten except for when I have

had food poisoning.

Something needs to be done to get this product off the market.

I can't help but be convinced that the FDA takes payoffs. No ethical

person could approve the use of things like MSG (another thing I cannot

tolerate eating), which is classified by the FDA as an excitotoxin and

is known to be harmful to the central nervous system. I will do

everything to get people to read your article and get the word out on

the FDA's latest blunder.

Best,

Shelley Flis

------

Dear Dr. Mercola,

THANK YOU so much for your informative site! I am currently " detoxing "

from using sucralose after a terrible reaction. It all began with

purchasing a box of Splenda. The changes (in my opinion) were subtle.

However, my family and friends noticed immediately. I became withdrawn

and disinterested in my usual hobbies. Everything became a " chore. " I

was tired during the day, but couldn't sleep at night either. I play

flute which requires a quick mental process and fingering skills to

match but suddenly I was struggling to play. Typing is difficult, as

well.

During the past three weeks I noticed myself " zoning out. " I'd become

forgetful and moody. I thought perhaps it was the Splenda, because that

was the only thing different in my daily habits.

I quickly dismissed the thought - despite having experienced a similar

situation with Equal a few years back. I called it " Jekyl v. Hyde

Syndrome. " But it seemed I noticed the changes much quicker with Equal

than with Splenda.

I really suffered yesterday. I was an emotional wreck. I cried and

cried. I felt like I was losing my mind. My husband and son discussed my

disturbing behavior while I was in the shower. Our son, Tim, recalled

that the changes began with that little yellow box. Steve, (my husband,)

mentioned it to me. Little by little, things fell into place, including

the unexplainable accident I recently had in our truck.

I had just stopped at a stop sign and the trooper said that I couldn't

have been going over 15 miles an hour when I nearly rolled our truck.

Even he said that I narrowly escaped injury. I nearly had a second

accident last week.

My senses had become SO dulled, I could barely function.

I could not focus on anything. Even playing my flute was so hard. I

normally stand to play, but for the past two weeks at practice, I sat a

lot. I felt " dazed. "

This morning, I feel MUCH better than I have in the recent weeks. Not

quite " normal, " but much better. Even the acne (on my otherwise clear

skin) is fading away. Yep! I had a patch of acne, which appeared when I

began using Splenda!

How many people are suffering from what appears to be diseases - or even

acne, when it is simply a reaction to a chemical they are ingesting? If

companies were forced to list the ingredients of these products, such as

arsenic, they'd sure be a lot more careful! I mean, who would

intentionally poison themselves?

Sincerely,

Debby Fazekas

------

Dear Dr. Mercola,

Four years ago I began to have panic attacks and was on BuSpar for about

a year. I started reading about aspartame and consumed the product

daily -- mostly in diet drinks and was a big consumer of Diet Rite.

After learning about problems other people were having I quit completely

consuming the stuff. And have been panic free for 3 years.

In December I started using splenda and at the same time started having

a great deal of anxiety and had a couple of panic attacks but didn't

think about the link of Splenda and the anxiety until about a week ago.

I also had my mom visiting and introduced her to Splenda -- guess

what -- she started having panic attacks during her visit and actually

cut her visit short due to her feeling bad.

I haven't consumed anymore of it for a week but am still having

problems. Oh, I also was having an irregular heart beat which I did see

my doctor about. He assured me that my blood pressure was excellent and

cholesterol also good and I shouldn't worry about my heart.

I consume very little to no caffine. Local doctors don't put much faith

in the idea that Nutra Sweet caused problems. I'm sure my new theory

about Splenda would carry even less weight. By the way, I have a very

stess-free life-style. I run my own little business and set my own

hours. I don't believe my environment is causing any irregular stress.

Sue

------

I found this website while researching the new sweetener SPLENDA, a

sweetener

included in the DIET ICE BOTANICALS drink made by Talking Rain Beverage

Co., Preston WA. 98050 Ph. 1-800-734-0748, WWW.TALINGRAIN.COM, currently

sold at SAMS warehouse club.

The shocking thing I read at the end of your article on this is the Food

Poisoning like symptoms. I've probably drank about 30 -16oz bottles of

the stuff, which supposedly contains St, Johns Wort, Kava-Kava, and

Ginseng, among other " good " things for you. My son has been sneaking a

few bottles to past Mom, despite my apprehension.

We both came down with a similar food poisoning which lasted nearly 10

days for him, and is going on day 3 for me, and I'm throwing the stuff

out today.

Thanks for your information,

x6rj

------

Dear Dr. Mercola:

Thank you so much for your webpage. I recently drank my first bottle of

Virgin Diet Cola, and experienced a mind-numbing headache. I was

literally seeing spots. I read the label, thinking there must be

something crazy in the cola. The one ingredient I didn't recognize was

" Sucralose. " My husband, a doctor, said he'd never heard of the

ingredient either.

After having read your site, I've cleaned my cupboards of Pure Protein

bars, which I had no idea contained this deadly chemical, and, needless

to say, will NOT be purchasing any of the other products you've listed.

Thank you for your thorough research and intelligent, accessible data.

Best -- Megyn Cotner

------

Dr. Mercola,

I was horrified to read some of the letters on your website. I was

excited at first to find an artificial sweetener that did not give me

Migraines like Aspartame (which also caused some depression). Although I

did not use it a lot, after about 6 months of OCCASIONAL use, I detected

a pattern in my Splenda use and severe altered emotional state. I became

irate, impatient, hyper-sensitive to noise, clutter and children. I

really thought this was a mental breakdown, or spiritual attack of some

sort. These episodes only came periodically, but they really scared me.

Then I noticed a pattern - use of sucralose, followed in hours (or the

next morning) by one of these events (lasting 3 to 5 hours). What a

relief! I'm not really going nuts - and I can fix this, by never using

the product again. What really upsets me is that how many people are

suffering and will NEVER make any connection.

How many doctors are treating these people with anti-depressants? How

many body-conscious teenagers are committing suicide because of this

severe alteration of emotional function? I realize that not all people

have the same symptoms, but I would really like to join a support group,

or get involved in a chat room or join a campaign and GET THE

INFORMATION OUT!!!

I also would be interested in knowing if there is any information on

exactly what component of Sucralose affects the brain/nervous system and

causes altered emotional states.

Thank you,

Lugene Azar

------

I was looking up the sweetener Sucralose which is in ACTII kettle corn.

I was trying to find out if it was the same as nutra sweet or aspertine.

Whenever I eat anything that has that in it, I get pains in my leg and

knee. I can not sleep because of the pain, it hurts to walk up the

stairs and so on. The pain will go away when I stop eating anything with

that in it, within one to two weeks. I had a friend who got pain all

over her body after drinking diet soda.

Thanks,

Elizabeth Romel

------

I wish to share with the medical field the terrible reations I

experienced after eating the product " splenda " .

I do not know who to tell, but I do feel it is important.

I am not diabetic; however, I had two good friends come to dinner, and

they brought this big " yellow box of Splenda " ...my life, my health was

so messed up for the next week I didn't know what was wrong.

I am healthy. I am 44, in great health, 125 pounds, no medicine presc.

at all...and yet the morning after I ate this product " Splenda " I was in

terrible, terrible pain.

I only ate it, because I cooked two pies for my diabetic friends.

The next 6 days were full of such excruciating pain, I hated to have to

go to a doctor but I had to. I cried, the pain in my chest hurt so much.

I want someone that is doing research on this product to understand it

really can hurt healthy people, without their knowing it.

I thought I had a heart problem. Forturnately it was a reaction to this

product; yet the doctor I saw that ran all kinds of tests, never asked

me if I had " ate " anything new!!!!

If I can provide you with anything else I would be pleased to; I don't

want anyone else to have to experience the terrible pain in the chest

that I did. It was " EXCRUCIATING " ...no doubt about it.

Cynthia Nelson

------

You can add me to the list of people who have had a bad experience with

sucralose. I purchased and ate a bag of jelly beans yesterday afternoon.

No carbs sounded wonderful, and they really did taste great, so I

grabbed another bag on my way home

Unfortunately, a couple of hours later, I started experiencing food

poisoning-like symptoms. It was clear to me that my system is trying to

rid itself of something, so I looked at the packaging of the only thing

I ate last night and found your web page. I was up all night and my

normally flat and trim tummy is distended to the point that, when I lay

on my back, I look seven months' pregnant!

I am grateful I now know what is causing my discomfort -- I will

definitely avoid this product at all costs when shopping for my family!!

Thank you for an informative article!!

Karen

Fort Lauderdale

------

Dear Doctor Mercola,

I'm not expecting an answer to my email, however I do want to say thank

you. After reading your site I am certain now that I was poisoned by

Splenda. I knew I was poisoned and I knew it wasn't " food poisoning "

from a bacteria. The pain in my body was definitely neurological. I am

still experiencing some of the pain and am flushing my Splenda down the

drain today. The pain was excruciating, in every part of my body. I am a

nurse and I knew instantly that I was experiencing neurological

symptoms. I had diarrhea for 3 days also. I came very close to calling

911. I am a 53 year old female in excellent health. These symptoms hit

me like a brick very quickly. My blood pressure sky rocketed and I

almost fell on my face in a parking lot. I'm on my way now to whole

foods to purchase some granular vitamin c to detoxify my body. You saved

my life. Thank you again for your information.

Sincerely,

Gypsie Mahrou, RN

Houston, Texas

------

Hello,

I've just been reading up on sucralose because I realized just this past

week that I've been having a bad reaction to a product I've been using

since December - Splenda. I started using Splenda in my coffed and tea

since late December and shortly after I began itching in various place

on my body and bright red rashed and welts appeared as well. It seemed

to be the worst in the evening and only a little in the day. I didn't

relate it to the Splenda at all, but I had my coffed in the morning, two

cups, the second I rarely finished, and I would have two to three cups

of hot tea in the evenings. I finally saw my doctor in March and after

seeing my rash and how badly I itched and hearing what I discribed, he

told me that I was allergic to something I was ingesting. I still didn't

put it together, at least I didn't want to.

I knew that Splenda was the only thing I had changed and had still been

using since the itching started, but I didn't want to go back to sugar

and the other substitutes weren't options for me because of the

aspertame. Splenda " had " to be alright since it was made from sugar, I

thought. The doctor put me on some medication to stop the itching and

clear up the rash. While I took it for a week and1â„2, the itching

stopped. The rash would still be visible, but now it just looked sort of

like it was underlying the skin, as if it were just dormat. Two weeks

after my first doctor visit, I had a follow-up and the doctor said I

looked fine and to see him again in three months just to make sure,

unless, of course, it started again.

Well, it did start again, that very night, in fact. I itched and itched.

I waited a few days, but the itching got so bad, I took some of the

medication that I still had, since I hadn't used it up. I would just

take it at night so I could sleep and then only every two or three days

so the pills would last until I could get to the doctor again. The rash

would still appear and it would be that very bright red color, different

size spots and some odd shapes as well. Sometimes I would get streaks.

One day last week I had two streaks going up my neck side by side, each

almost as wide as my finger and at the base of my neck a large red

splotch.

Wednesday night the itching was terrible again and I finally gave in to

the inescapable fact that Splenda had to be the root of this problem, so

I stopped using it in my tea that night, and have not used it in

anything since. I have still had the rash appear periodically as before,

but not as often and not so bright red, no welts appear, and I have not

been itching nearly as much or as badly. I'm guessing that it may take

time for the stuff to get out of my system completely. I guess I am

writing this to you to have my experience with Sucralose documented in

some way, even if it's just an email. I would love to know, though, if

you know of anyone else who has had a similar experience. Thank you for

taking the time to read this.

Marcia

------

DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

Don't let these large companies fool you. There is no magic alternative

to sugar when it comes to sweeteners. You simply can not have your cake

and eat it too when it comes to this area. It is far too early to tell,

as not enough people have consumed this product to observe large numbers

of adverse effects.

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However, I have had a number of patients in our Wellness Center who have

had some severe migraines and even seizures possibly from consuming this

product.

My advice?

AVOID Sucralose.

I am fond of telling people that if something tastes sweet you probably

should spit it out as it is not likely to be to good for you. This of

course, is a humorous exaggeration, but for most people who struggle

with chronic illness, it is likely to be a helpful guide.

PLEASE note this article is being written in 2000. This is one of the

first comprehensive clear investigative reports and warnings on

sucralose on the Internet.

Related Articles:

The Dangers of Chlorine and Issues With Sucralose

Sources:

Food and Drug Administration " Final Rule " for Sucralose, 21 CFR Part

172, Docket No. 87F-0086.

Lord GH, Newberne PM. Renal mineralization -- a ubiquitous lesion in

chronic rat studies. Food Chem Toxicol 1990 Jun;28:449-55.

Labare MP, Alexander M. Microbial cometabolism of sucralose, a

chlorinated disaccharide, in environmental samples. Appl Microbiol

Biotechnol. 1994 Oct;42:173-8.

Hunter BT. Sucralose. Consumers' Research Magazine, Oct90, Vol. 73 Issue

10, p8, 2p.

Maudlin RK. FDA approves sucralose for expanded use. Modern Medicine,

Oct99, Vol. 67 Issue 10, p57, 1/9p

Sucralose -- a new artificial sweetener. Medical Letter on Drugs &

Therapeutics, 07/03/98, Vol. 40, Issue 1030, p67, 2p.

Q & A: Is newly FDA approved sweetener sucralose good for you? Executive

Health's Good Health Report, Nov98, Vol. 35 Issue 2, p6, 1p, 1c.

Gain B. FDA approves J & J Sweetener. Chemical Week, 04/15/98, Vol. 160

Issue 14, p27, 1/4p.

Sucralose Toxicity Information Center

Splenda Product Web Site

Official Tate & Lyle Sucralose Web Site

Endurance News, Issue 26.

August 23, 2003

The Dangers of Chlorine and Issues With Sucralose

Most of us have grown up with the idea that whiter whites (and brighter

colors) mean cleaner clothes. We continue to use chlorine products with

abandon to whiten and to disinfect. We write on white paper and bathe in

and drink chlorinated water.

After all, who wants bacteria- infested water? In our society, chlorine

is ubiquitous-and so are its side effects.

In fact, the long-term residual effects from chlorine are becoming such

a health hazard that the American Public Health Association is urging

the American paper industry to stop using chlorine.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found dioxin (a toxic

byproduct of chlorine) to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen

than DDT

Healthy & Natural speaks with Stephen Ashkin, director of product

development and environmental affairs at Seventh Generation, a

manufacturer of green, nontoxic cleaning products.

Although he has a degree in chemistry, Ashkin gained most of his

practical knowledge and experience through direct contact in the

chemical industry. He literally grew up in the laboratory of his

parent's cleaning products manufacturing company.

Ashkin chaired the American Society for Testing and Materials' task

force that wrote the national cleaning standard for commercial and

institutional buildings. He has also chaired President Clinton's Green

Chemistry Challenge Task Force. Ashkin is acting advisor for a number of

EPA programs including the Indoor Environment Division. He has published

numerous articles on environmentally preferable products and is a very

popular conference speaker.

Q: Does chlorine occur naturally?

Typically chlorine does not normally occur in the environment except as

a yellow gas on rare occasions. It's a manufactured substance produced

through an industrial process. An electrical current is passed through

salt water producing chlorine and caustic soda.

Q: Is chlorine very toxic?

This is where this topic gets very interesting. Many people argue that

chlorine is basically safe-that it breaks down into harmless salt and

water. Well, that's true-in a laboratory test tube under very controlled

conditions.

The real issue is not just how toxic chlorine itself is but how the

unintended byproducts of chlorine (organochlorines and dioxins) remain

in the environment. They are persistent in the environment; they do not

break down readily and therefore bio-accumulate.

Q: Is there a chlorine pollution problem?

One of the largest uses of chlorine is in the paper industry. Chlorine

is first used to break down the lignan that holds the wood fibers

together. Then chlorine is used to bleach the paper to make it white.

The effluent or wastewater containing dioxins and other organochlorines

are then dumped into streams and waterways. These ingredients are highly

toxic and carcinogenic. Once in the waste stream, they come into contact

with other organic materials and surfactants and combine to form a host

of extremely toxic organic chemicals.

A chain of events occurs: The water becomes polluted; the fish become

contaminated; animals eat the fish and people eat the contaminated

animals and fish.

This can create a very serious health problem; the dioxins and other

toxic chemicals, when consumed, accumulate in the fatty tissues.

These contaminants are also hormone disrupters because they mimic

estrogen. The EPA has observed and documented hormonal imbalance,

suppressed immune systems, reproductive infertility and alterations in

fetal development of animals. In viewing the big picture, these factors

are perhaps the most frightening results from the widespread use of

chlorine.

Q: How widespread is chlorine contamination?

It is so widespread that it would be difficult to find any human being

who does not have detectable levels of dioxin in his/her blood.

While we know that chlorine is a substantial environmental problem

caused by the paper industry, household bleach and cleaners containing

chlorine also pose a serious health risk.

For instance, in 1997, 217,989 calls to the Poison Control Center

concerned household cleaners. Of those calls, 54,453 were about chlorine

bleach and 7,570 were for chlorine disinfectants. So, that means that

28.4 percent of all calls were related to poisonings by chlorine

products. What's even more important, most of those calls were about

children under 6 years old.

Q: What can happen if these chemicals get into our bodies?

Our bodies are very good at metabolizing many things. Through special

enzymes, our bodies are able to rid themselves of many environmental

toxic substances that we come into contact with daily. However, dioxins

(and other organochlorine compounds) aren't included. Even if we are

exposed to very low levels, dioxins remain in the body and accumulate.

The EPA is now saying that this is soon to become a major health risk

problem. The cumulative effects of dioxin in humans have been linked to

*

birth defects

*

cancer

*

reproductive disorders

*

immune system breakdown

Q: Should chlorine be used in our public water supply?

The alternative question would be, should we drink contaminated water?

The answer, of course, would be no. It's very important that our water

is sanitized. Years ago, there were very few alternatives. However,

today, while chlorine is a very effective (and cheap) sanitizer, many

scientists are recognizing some serious side effects from chlorine.

Today, our technology is getting to the point where, I hope, we will

look into a better means of sanitizing our drinking water. This will not

be easy because one of the biggest advantages (and ultimately the

biggest disadvantage) of using chlorine is the fact that chlorine

doesn't break down.

Water can be treated with chlorine at the filtration plant and 10 miles

away the chlorine is persistent enough to remain in the water and pipes

when it reaches the home. There exist many other ingredients that are

good sanitizers, but they break down quickly, and the water would become

contaminated by the time it reaches someone's home.

We may have a problem if we need to sanitize via a chemical additive. It

becomes a sort of oxymoron: chemicals that are persistent also tend to

be toxic. The ultimate solution may be to have home-based water

filtration/sanitizing systems. This would eliminate the problem of

trying to prevent hundreds of miles of pipes, installed a hundred years

ago, from contaminating the water.

Q: Are there safe, effective alternatives to chlorine as a bleaching

agent and disinfectant?

Absolutely! Primarily, hydrogen peroxide is available to the paper

industry and to the soap industry as a bleaching agent. Another new

technology uses ozone. Other non-chlorinated household cleaning

products, readily available to the consumer, achieve the same bleaching

and disinfecting results as chlorine but are nontoxic.

I don't understand why anyone would want to use chlorine products

anyway. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant and when mixed with other

common household products, it gives off a toxic gas.

Q: What can we do to make a difference?

We could request and purchase processed chlorine-free paper, not just in

writing paper but in paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper.

It's a vote for our environment and our health. It may seem to be a

small thing, but collectively it really can make a substantial

difference.

We need to realize that the technology in the chemical industry has

changed as dramatically as in the computer industry. We no longer need

to use harmful substances simply because they worked for our

grandparents. The technology in the chemical industry is allowing us to

replace many of these toxic ingredients with others that are not only

nontoxic but have renewable resources and many environmental benefits.

It's a major educational process for consumers to understand that they,

through their buying choices, can make a difference. Did you know that

only about 20 percent of shoppers buy their household products in

natural food stores?

What that says to me is that while consumers recognize the importance of

buying supplements and organic foods, they don't recognize the same

environmental and health benefits associated with buying chlorine-free

paper and other nontoxic cleaners.

------

Chlorine Facts

Dioxin, a chemical byproduct of the manufacturing of chlorinebleached

paper, is believed to be the single most carcinogenic chemical known to

science.

When you open the door of your dishwasher after washing, toxic volatized

chlorine from dish detergent and tap water is released into the air.

Thanks to chlorine pollution, Americans ingest a daily amount of dioxin

that is already 300 to 600 times greater than the EPA's so-called " safe "

dose.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has found dioxin to be 300,000

times more potent as a carcinogen than DDT.

Dioxin has been linked to endometriosis, immune system impairment,

diabetes, neurotoxicity, birth defects, decreased fertility, and

reproductive dysfunction in both women and men.

Studies show that 40-70 percent of the dioxin in bleached coffee filters

can leach into your coffee; dioxin found in paper milk cartons also

leaches into the milk you drink.

Cancer-causing chemicals like chlorine found in many household products

such as coffee filters, disposable diapers, paper towels, and bathroom

tissue are readily absorbed through the skin.

The Light Party

------

DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

Sucralose, the supposed " safe " replacement for Nutrasweet, is starting

to receive much press recently as it is being promoted more and more.

I was just interviewed by CBS for a piece that they will be publishing

on their website very shortly.

It is important to recognize that Sucralose is basically chlorinated

table sugar and as such, may have many of the risks of chlorine

discussed above. In addition, it is contributing to environmental

chlorine pollution as well.

It is important to recognize that Sucralose is not the safe chemical it

is being promoted as. I would advise caution as many have started to

report adverse reactions to it.

The other issue with chlorine is of course its more common use as a

water disinfectant, which is one of the main reasons why most of us need

to use water filters of some sort.

With summer upon us one must not neglect the use in swimming pools.

Because the exposure is generally longer, this is a much more serious

issue for those who swim regularly, than drinking tap water.

If you have a pool it is important to know that there are chlorine

alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide (Baquacil) and ozone that can be

used, are not toxic and more pleasant to use.

http://www.mercola.com/2001/jun/23/chlorine.htm

August 31, 2004

I have to put in my 2 cents worth on the Splenda subject. About 2

months ago I finally broke down and bought a box of Splenda and had

not until then because of its cost. I know I had used some food

products with it used as the sweetner but only a very few times. I

bought the Splenda for my coffee because I knew sugar was not good

for me. After using only 2 or 3 packets a day for 2 weeks I started

having an irritation feeling in my bladder like I was getting a

bladder infection. Hadn't had one of those in years and years. It

kept getting worse so I upped my Colloidal Silver which gets rid of

any infection that comes along. Still was having the pain and all of

a sudden I started passing urine that was bright red with blood.

Scared me so I called my daughter in Fl. that is and LPN and told

her what was going on. The blood was there everytime I urinated.

First thing she said was, " Mom you probably have a really bad

bladder infection! " I told her I didn't think so because I was

taking my CS and she knows how well it works, too. Then she asked me

if I had been doing or eating anything different lately and I said

the only thing different was the Splenda and her reply was, " OH MY

GOD MOM!! "

She told me to go to www.mercola.com and read what Dr. Mercola has

to say about Splenda and then she said to throw that crap out!! I

read and I threw. After 2 days of no Splenda all bleeding and pain

completely disappeared!! Definitely dangerous stuff. I am back to

sugar for the moment but when I get paid I am switching to Stevia!!

I like to watch the Today Show on Sunday because they always have an

old Dr. by the name of Isadora Rosenthal. A week ago last Sun. I

turned to the show in time to hear him say there was not a thing

wrong with Aspertame and that Splenda was perfectly safe to use. I

almost fell out of my chair!! How many people will take that as

gospel, run out and buy it and become ill. Even if they have read

the piles of research that definitely proves this stuff is sweet

death folks. They are poisoning us in the air and through our food.

Build up those immune systems and pray your butts off!!

Liz S.C.

September 2, 2004

I have told all my friends about the dangers of these products, but they

continue to use them and when they come here they ask for sweetener. I feel

very guilty about even having it in the house, but they want it and I give

it to them.

Judy

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" Elizabeth " <imlizardqueen2003

Tuesday, August 31, 2004 12:48 PM