Wellness at MGH
  • Home
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Nutrition
    • Eat Well Blog
    • Recipes
    • Choose Well, Eat Well
  • Fitness
  • Mind Body
  • Results
  • Contact

Splenda: The Sweet Unknown

3/18/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sugar substitutes, also referred to as artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners, are now found in a variety of food products and beverages. For years, there has been buzz around the benefits and adverse health effects of sugar alternatives like aspartame (Equal), saccharin (Sweet N’ Low), and sucralose (Splenda). 
 
Let’s zoom in on one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners, sucralose (Splenda). Sucralose is made from sugar and is chemically altered to be 600x sweeter than sugar with very few calories. Splenda has gained popularity because you can cook with it and it has less of an aftertaste compared to many of its competitors.
 
The effects of sucralose on our bodies, particularly related to blood sugar and weight management, are constantly evolving. The artificial sweetener may also impact the bacteria in our gut (our microbiome). So, here’s what we know thus far. 
 
  • Sucralose may influence insulin regulation, but research has not found it significantly affects blood sugar levels.
 
  • Some studies show daily consumption of sucralose may decrease good bacteria in our gut. This may also impact insulin responses in our bodies, though we need more research.
​
  • Humans crave things that taste sweet since it activates parts of the brain responsible for sensing reward and pleasure. Research suggests for some, consumption of artificial sweeteners may actually increase cravings.
 
In short, we still have much to learn.

It seems that consumption of sucralose (Splenda), does not bare significant risks to our health. That said, questions also remain about its benefit, particularly as a weight loss strategy.  Since foods containing artificial sweeteners may also replace healthier options, it may be best to limit intake when possible. 


REFERENCES:

Ahmad SY, Friel JK and DS Mackay. Effect of Sucralose and Aspartame on Glucose Metabolism and Gut Hormones. Nutrition Reviews. 2020; 78(9): 725–746.
Bueno-Hernández, N et al. Chronic Sucralose Consumption Induces Elevation of Serum Insulin in Young Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutr J. 2020; 19(32). 
Cheon E, Reister EJ, Hunter SR and RD Mattes. Finding the Sweet Spot: Measurement, Modification, and Application of Sweet Hedonics in Humans. Advances in Nutrition. 2021; 12(6): 2358–2371.
Honorio, AR, Soares, AF, Nunes de Lima, CD and AA Lima Tribst. Passion Fruit Nectar Sweetened with Stevia and Sucralose: Is Perception Affected by the Regular Consumption of Sweeteners or Diabetes? International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science. 2021; 25: 100404.
Méndez-García LA, et al. Ten-Week Sucralose Consumption Induces Gut Dysbiosis and Altered Glucose and Insulin Levels in Healthy Young Adults. Microorganisms. 2022; 10(2):434. 

Yunker, A, Alves J and S Luo. Obesity and Sex-related Associations with Differential Effects of Sucralose vs Sucrose on Appetite and Reward Processing. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(9):e2126313


By Rachel Sentchuk, MGH Dietetic Intern 
0 Comments
    Picture

    TOPICS

    All
    Cooking
    Diets
    Eat More Plants
    Hydration
    Probiotics
    Protein
    Supplements
    Vegetables

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Nutrition
    • Eat Well Blog
    • Recipes
    • Choose Well, Eat Well
  • Fitness
  • Mind Body
  • Results
  • Contact