- New research shows a chemical found in Splenda, sucralose-6-acetate, is “genotoxic,” causing DNA damage.
- The findings also show that sucralose is harmful to gut health, and may lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and even cancer.
- When choosing sugar substitutes, stevia or monk fruit may be considered healthier options.
Many people turn to artificial sugar substitutes to reduce their calorie intake, but a growing body of evidence shows the potential health hazards associated with these substances.
Now, a new study found that a chemical, sucralose-6-acetate, found in sucralose (sold under the trade name Splenda) causes DNA damage.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill determined the chemical is “genotoxic,” which means it harms genetic information within cells. They also exposed human gut tissues to sucralose to examine the effects on gut health and the potential for carcinogenicity.
The results were recently published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.
Susan Schiffman, PhD, corresponding author of the study and an adjunct professor in the joint department of biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Medical News Today:
“The most compelling finding was that a contaminant and metabolite of sucralose could damage DNA in human blood cells and express genes in human gut epithelium that can induce inflammation and even cancer.”
For the study, researchers exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate in several in vitro experiments. The results showed signs of genotoxicity.
The researchers also found that sucralose caused leaky gut or damage to the gut lining. In addition, they observed the genetic activity of the gut cells and discovered that sucralose caused an increase in gene activity linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity.
The results support the growing evidence of the harmful…
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