Sucralose Facts

MYTH: Sucralose was approved following very little testing.

FACT: More than 100 studies, representing over 20 years of research, have proven sucralose has an excellent safety profile. Experts from a wide range of scientific backgrounds, including government agencies and regulatory authorities, reviewed these studies and concluded there are no harmful effects, even among people consuming the highest amounts of sucralose. Worldwide, sucralose is approved for use in foods and beverages, without the need for any special warning labels or health information statements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which approved sucralose for certain food and beverage categories in 1998, data was studied “from more than 110 studies in humans and animals. Many of the studies were designed to identify possible toxic effects including carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. No such effects were found, and FDA’s approval is based on the finding that sucralose is safe for human consumption.”

Examples of other government and scientific groups that have reviewed any toxicity concerns and confirmed sucralose’s safety include:

• European Union Scientific Committee on Food (SCF)
• Food Standards Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ)
• Health Protection Branch of Health and Welfare Canada
• Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
• Japan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare

MYTH: Sucralose affects blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

FACT: Studies show that sucralose passes through the body virtually unchanged and has no effect on carbohydrate metabolism, short- or long-term blood glucose control or insulin secretion. This is because sucralose is not recognized by the body as a sugar or a carbohydrate. These studies included high-dose prolonged-use studies involving people with diabetes and those without the condition.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the overall data on sucralose supports its safety for the general population, including people with diabetes. Foods and beverages sweetened with sucralose offer people with diabetes a much wider variety of products from which to choose and greater flexibility in budgeting total carbohydrate intake. Thus, sucralose-sweetened products can help them follow nutrition recommendations and still enjoy good-tasting foods.

MYTH: No-calorie sweeteners actually cause weight gain by increasing sugar cravings.

FACT: Numerous studies have determined that no-calorie sweeteners do not increase appetite, food intake or weight gain. In fact, the vast majority of scientific literature confirms the benefits and safety of using no-calorie sweeteners and products for weight control and weight loss.

The use of no-calorie sweeteners (such as sucralose) can help people in their weight loss/control efforts because it will result in a reduced amount of overall calories in a particular food/beverage while maintaining good taste. However, no-calorie sweeteners (and products that contain them) are not a magic bullet. They should be considered tools, which can be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a balanced diet.

The American Diabetes Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Heart Association, agree that reduced-calorie foods and beverages may be a good option for those who want to control their weight and maintain a better lifestyle. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses.

MYTH: Sucralose is not safe for children.

FACT: Sucralose has been tested and proven to be safe for use by children of all ages. In fact, sucralose can be part of the solution to the growing problem of childhood obesity by helping to reduce the amount of added sugars children consume daily. Foods containing sucralose – such as low-fat flavored milk, yogurt, juices and puddings – can be included in a healthy meal plan for children to help ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients, while not getting a lot of extra calories. In a study published in Pediatrics, researchers discovered that overweight children could prevent further weight gain simply by walking another 2,000 steps and eliminating just 100 calories each day using products sweetened with sucralose. This was one of the first times clinical evidence proved that overweight children could effectively prevent excess weight gain by making small changes to their lifestyle.

MYTH: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume sucralose.

FACT: Research has shown that sucralose does not have harmful effects on pregnant women or their babies. A number of studies required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were conducted, with results supporting the safety of sucralose during pregnancy and nursing. This includes studies that specifically examined the potential effects of sucralose on embryo-fetal development, which showed no birth defects or any other effect that would compromise normal development. Although sucralose can be safely consumed as part of a healthful prenatal and postnatal diet, any expectant mother should talk to her physician or health care provider about consuming the necessary nutrients to support her and her baby’s health throughout pregnancy and infancy.

MYTH: Sucralose isn’t safe because it contains chlorine.

FACT: The sucralose molecule contains three atoms of chlorine, which helps intensify the sweetness of sugar and remove the calories. However, there is no reason to be concerned. The chlorine in sucralose does not separate in the body, nor does sucralose accumulate in the body. In fact, it is the presence of these chlorine atoms that prevents sucralose from being broken down in the body for energy, thus, making sucralose non-caloric. Extensive research shows that sucralose can be used safely by everyone. It’s important to remember that chlorine is a natural component of table salt, which is naturally present in many foods such as lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and peanut butter. Chlorine is also part of more complex molecules naturally found in other foods like lentils, peas and potatoes. In addition, chlorine is added to most public drinking water supplies.

MYTH: Sucralose causes various side effects including headaches, allergies and gastrointestinal issues.

FACT: Scientists have conducted many studies to determine whether sucralose had any various side effects. Researchers have concluded that there are no known side effects of sucralose. No toxic effects have been seen in test animals, even in amounts equivalent in sweetness to more than 40 pounds of sugar per day for life – far in excess of the amount of sucralose that may typically be consumed in a day in real life. For example, research does not support that sucralose would cause migraines and headaches, gastrointestinal issues or food allergies. It’s important to note that sucralose is often used in foods which contain other ingredients that some people may be sensitive to, such as ice cream or chocolate.