Before you start reading, please rest assured that our products never include artificial sweeteners. Many individuals reach for artificial sweeteners like Sucralose in an attempt to cut calories and reduce sugar intake. However, numerous studies suggest there might be health consequences related to its consumption. In this article, we discuss five reasons to avoid Sucralose and suggest healthier alternatives.

What is Sucralose?

Sucralose, commonly known as Splenda, is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener used in a variety of food and drink products. Despite its popularity, emerging research indicates potential health risks associated with its consumption.

Side Effects and Dangers of Sucralose

Foods and Uses of Sucralose

Sucralose is widely used in various processed foods, including baked goods, non-alcoholic beverages, chewing gums, frozen dairy desserts, and fruit juices. It's also used in cooking as it's stable at high temperatures.

Is Sucralose Safe?

While regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) consider Sucralose safe for general use, recent research calls this consensus into question. Given the potential side effects and dangers outlined above, it's essential to approach its consumption with caution.

Sucralose vs. Stevia vs. Aspartame

Compared to Sucralose and Aspartame, Stevia, a sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant (if you ever see Reb-A or Reb-M, this is where the name comes from), may have fewer potential adverse health effects. Unlike Sucralose, Stevia has been shown to have potential health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels (source). Aspartame, like Sucralose, has also been linked to various potential health issues (source).

Sucralose and Digestive Disorders in Canada

Canada approved Sucralose for use in 1991, and since then, its consumption has significantly increased. Interestingly, the same period saw a noticeable rise in the incidence of digestive disorders. While it's critical not to infer a direct cause-and-effect relationship based solely on this correlation, some research suggests there may indeed be a connection. Studies have indicated that Sucralose may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota (source), which plays a vital role in digestion. An imbalance in this gut flora could potentially lead to various digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (source). Moreover, research has also revealed that Sucralose may promote gut inflammation, which is a key factor in many digestive disorders (source). Although more in-depth studies are required, these findings underscore the need for caution and further research on the impact of Sucralose consumption on gut health, particularly given the rising prevalence of digestive disorders in Canada.

Healthier Alternatives

Given the potential health concerns associated with Sucralose, individuals might want to consider natural alternatives like Stevia, Erythritol, and Monk Fruit sweeteners. These alternatives, while they still need to be used in moderation, don't appear to have the same potential adverse health effects as Sucralose.

In conclusion, while Sucralose might be a tempting choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake, it's worth considering the potential health implications. With natural alternatives available, there's plenty of room for making healthier choices in our daily diets.

To learn more about natural alternatives like Stevia, Erythritol, and Monk Fruit sweeteners search our blog.