Splenda is a sucralose product and a popular sugar substitute. Aspartame or NutraSweet is another popular sugar substitute that allows you to minimize calories while maintaining a sweet taste in drinks and foods. Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved both Splenda and aspartame, these artificial sweeteners have several side effects and potential dangers.
Chemical Nature
Splenda, or sucralose, is a sugar derivative. Splenda's manufacturing process uses chlorine molecules to convert the sugar molecule into a fructo-galactose molecule. The fructo-galactose molecule does not exist in nature. Your body does not process or metabolize this molecule. Although Splenda does not have calories, your body's lack of ability to metabolize the chemical may have associated health risks. According to "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health," the Splenda stored in your body is not natural and considering the chemical nature of this sugar substitute, it may have adverse affects on your health.
Splenda and Sucralose Dangers
As of 2011, there is a lack of long-term human toxicity studies on the use of Splenda. However, according to "Empty Pleasures: The Story of Artificial Sweeteners from Saccharin to Splenda," common side effects associated with the use of Splenda include headaches and migraines, nausea, upset stomach, digestive issues and dizziness. While the FDA has not verified any of these side effects, the actual dangers associated with the use Splenda are not known at this time.
Carcinogen Dangers of Aspartame
Aspartame may have long-term carcinogenic effects. However, as of 2011 there is still no scientific evidence proving that aspartame causes cancer. Phenylketonuria is a condition in which your body does not hold the enzymes necessary to break down phenylalanine. According to "Sweet Deception," aspartame eliminates the amino acid phenylalanine, so individuals with phenylketonuria may unconsciously impair mental function by consuming aspartame. Further, if you don't know you have this condition and you keep taking aspartame, you could develop mental retardation in rare cases. Consequently, you should not give aspartame to young children.
Headaches and Weight Gain
According to "Sweet Deception," aspartame can also cause headaches triggering the onset of migraines. It is not known why aspartame causes headaches in certain individuals. You should discontinue use of aspartame if you experience headaches after using the sweetener. Additionally, aspartame may cause weight gain. In certain individuals, the extreme sweetness of aspartame may result in more cravings for sweet foods and beverages, leading to long-term weight gain.
References
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Sugar Substitutes - Are They Safe?; Scottie Misner; May 2001
- Elmhurst College: Aspartame - NutraSweet, Equal
- "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health"; Joseph Mercola and Kendra Degen Pearsall; 2006
- "Empty Pleasures: The Story of Artificial Sweeteners from Saccharin to Splenda"; Carolyn de la Pena; 2010
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