Splenda is Not a Healthy Sweetener

October 8, 2006

Splenda is Not a " Healthy " Sweetener

The artificial sweetener Splenda is quickly gaining popularity in a market that

was previously dominated by Equal and Sweet'N Low. In January 2003, Splenda even

surpassed Equal in dollar-market share.

Splenda, the brand name for sugar-derivative sucralose, is converted from cane

sugar to a no-calorie sweetener. It isn't recognized as sugar by the body and

therefore is not metabolized.

Splenda is marketed as a " healthful " and " natural " product since it is derived

from sugar. However, its chemical structure is very different from that of sugar

and sucralose is actually a chemical substance.

Brand Channel April 28, 2003

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Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Please note that I do not advise using Splenda. Nearly three years ago I posted

an article describing the dangers of Splenda (sucralose).

Why not use Splenda? Well, research in animals has shown that sucralose can

cause many problems 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

Nearly every month we receive a report from someone who has had an adverse

reaction to Splenda, and you can see many of them posted on our site.

Interestingly, my position on sucralose has caused junkscience.com to call me a

" dubious alternative health guru " . I have no problem in the fatally flawed

paradigm calling me names for pointing out the truth and remain grateful that

the information on this site continues to help people avoid chemicals that will

limit them from experiencing their optimal health.

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