The Side Effects And Dangers Of Splenda

Splenda primarily contains sucralose, a crystalline, non-calorie containing, water-soluble artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than the table sugar. According to a study published in the "American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Journal" in June 2008, the accidental discovery of sucralose happened in 1976. A British sugar company, Tate and Lyle, collaborated with King's College in London in finding ways to use sucrose, or table sugar, as a chemical intermediate. A graduate student mistakenly tasted the chlorinated sugar instead of testing it and discovered that it was a few hundred times sweeter than table sugar.

Alteration of the Intestinal Microflora

A study released by "The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health" in January 2008 states that Splenda may alter the composition of the intestinal microflora, the natural micro-organism residents of the intestines that protect against the possible growth of disease-causing organisms. With a decreased number of resident micro-organisms in the intestines, infectious diseases may occur in the gut. In a study published in "The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine" in March 2006, researchers stated that the decrease in the intestinal flora signals the attack of irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal cramping, changes in bowel movement and abdominal bloating.

Enhanced Activity of CYP3A4 Cytochrome P450

According to the genes and mapped phenotypes website of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, CYP3A4 cytochrome P450 is a protein enzyme that facilitates many reactions involved in drug metabolism and production of various cholesterols and steroids. According to "The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health," Splenda may enhance the expression of CYP3A4 cytochrome P450, resulting in the alteration of the availability of certain orally administered drugs such as oral hypoglycemic agents for diabetics, angiotensin II blockers used by hypertensive patients, anti-epileptic medications, beta blockers for hypertension and heart problems, antidepressants, antipsychotics and macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin.

Increase the Fecal pH

The study in "The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health" also states that the use of Splenda may result in the pH elevation of the fecal material. According to a study published by "Preventive Medicine" in November 1990, the alteration in fecal pH may be a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer.

Decrease in the Thymus Size

The thymus is an immune system organ in the center of the upper chest. It produces and houses T-lymphocytes, white blood cells responsible for eliminating certain infections and potentially malignant cells within the body. According to the "American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Journal," diets with 5 percent sucralose may lead to the shrinking of the thymus gland, not because of toxicity but because of nutritional deficiencies brought about by reduced food intake triggered by sucralose intake. However, further studies are necessary to prove the effect of sucralose on the appetite and food intake.