A recent study reveals that the digestion of a popular artificial sweetener produces a "genotoxic" chemical, known for its ability to damage DNA. This chemical is present in small quantities within the sweetener itself, leading to concerns about potential health implications.
The study, titled "Toxicological and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Sucralose-6-Acetate and Its Parent Sucralose: In Vitro Screening Assays" published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, focused on the common artificial sweetener sucralose. Researchers previously discovered the presence of various fat-soluble compounds in the gut after consuming sucralose, including sucralose-6-acetate.
Packages of Equal and Splenda artificial sweeteners are displayed at a coffee shop April 9, 2007 in San Rafael, California. Merisant, the maker of Equal filed a lawsuit today against McNeil Nutritionals, the maker of Splenda, citing that Splenda's advertising is misleading consumers to believe that the sweetener is all natural and made from sugar.
Artificial Sweetener Sucralose Is Genotoxic
The study's corresponding author, Susan Schiffman, said that the study demonstrated the genotoxic nature of sucralose-6-acetate. The North Carolina State University professor also said that through their research they were able to trace amounts of the artificial sweetener in commercial sucralose products even before consumption and metabolism, Futurity reported.
Schiffman explains that the set guidelines by the European Food Safety Authority for the toxicological threshold for all genotoxic substances are only 0.15 micrograms per day. However, the findings show that sucralose-6-acetate in daily drink sweetened with sucralose exceed its threshold.
In the study, researchers conducted in vitro experiments that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate. The team closely monitored the genotoxicity markers to see any changes and identify the artificial sweetener's effects.
Schiffman said that they did not expect that sucralose-6-acetate would exhibit genotoxic properties and effectively damages DNA in exposed cells
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Sucralose Can Adversely Affect the Gut
The team also conducted in vitro tests involving human gut tissues exposed to sucralose-6-acetate. When the researchers exposed gut epithelial tissues, which line the gut wall, to these chemicals, they observed that both substances induced a "leaky gut." It means there is an increased permeability of the gut wall, where the chemicals damage the tight junctions that connect the cells in the gut lining.
The consequences of a leaky gut are concerning. Schiffman noted in a news release that it means that substances that should be eliminated through feces are instead leaking out of the gut and entering the bloodstream. Schiffman emphasizes, "This work raises a host of concerns about the potential health effects associated with sucralose and its metabolites."
Additionally, the researchers examined the genetic activity of the gut cells when exposed to sucralose-6-acetate. They discovered an increased activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity. These findings further contribute to the growing body of evidence indicating significant risks associated with sucralose.
Schiffman urges people to avoid products containing sucralose. He also notes that it is time to revisit the safety and regulatory status of sucralose. More so, she encourages people to avoid products containing sucralose as it is something you should not be eating.
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