Sucralose (Splenda) is a type of artificial sweetener while phenylalanine is an amino acid that is often used in aspartame (NutraSweet), another type of artificial sweetener. The Calorie Control Council reports that sucralose was developed in 1976, but was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration until 1998. Phenylalanine naturally occurs in your body, but is naturally and artificially present in certain foods. Ask your doctor before consuming phenylalanine or sucralose to help reduce the possibility of adverse effects.
Features
According to the Calorie Control Council, sucralose is the only type of artificial sweetener derived from sugar. The difference between sugar and sucralose is that a water molecule from sugar is replaced by a chlorine molecule. Every Diet website explains that sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar. L-phenylalanine, one of the three forms of phenylalanine, is used to create aspartame, which is about 200 times sweeter than raw sugar.
Uses
Sucralose is the artificial sweetener marketed as Splenda and is contained in various processed foods, sugar-free candies and drinks. Aspartame is also contained in processed foods and sugar-free beverages, but is not derived from raw sugar. Your body does not metabolize sucralose or aspartame, so consuming such products will lead to decreased calorie consumption.
Benefits
According to the Calorie Control Council, sucralose is the safest sweetener available on the market; 100 safety tests conducted on sucralose reveal that the sweetener does not cause cancer, immune deficiencies, birth defects, reproductive organ damage, tooth decay or insulin spikes. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that the amino acid phenylalanine helps reduce depression, chronic pain, vitiligo and may even help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Side Effects
The UMMC reports that people with the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) should not consume aspartame or other sources of L-phenylalanine as such patients already have high levels of phenylalanine in their bodies. Antidepressants may also interact with phenylalanine. The Calorie Control Council reports that sucralose is free of side effects, although the sweetener is processed with chlorine. Still, not enough studies have been conducted to support the theory that the small traces of chlorine in sucralose are harmful to the body.
Considerations
With all of the artificial sweeteners marketed as healthy alternatives to sugar, it is sometimes difficult to determine which type is best for you. Unless you have an underlying health condition that outlaws sugars, Every Diet recommends that you consume unrefined cane sugar as opposed to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Raw sugar contains fiber. Therefore, eating foods with a small amount of sugar will actually keep you full longer than foods with artificial sweeteners. Moderation is key, as too much sugar can lead to tooth decay.
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