Over the years, there have been many studies of artificial sweeteners. At times, the information and conclusions from these studies may seem to conflict. The data show clearly, however, that no calorie sweeteners can be an asset when planning a healthy diet.
In particular, it may be helpful to note that the safety of sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in SPLENDA® Sweetener Products, has been affirmed by numerous international regulatory agencies, including the World Health Organization, the European Union and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Over 110 studies in animals and humans over a 20-year period have confirmed that sucralose is safe. Respected international agencies have done their own independent analyses of these studies and have unanimously concluded that sucralose is safe for its intended use. It is also important to remember that these expert authorities are particularly trained in evaluating the totality of the available data. In contrast, other sources may not have all the facts needed to separate fact from fiction. It is always important to turn to trusted resources when assessing information.
FACT: An extensive body of research demonstrates that sucralose can be used safely by everyone, including children, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people with diabetes.
What they said about sucralose:
"In determining the safety of sucralose, FDA reviewed data from more than 110 studies in animals and humans. Many of these 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 finding that sucralose is safe for human consumption."
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Talk Paper T98-16.
"There is adequate evidence [for sucralose] that there are no concerns about mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, development or reproductive toxicity."
Opinion on Sucralose of the Scientific Committee Food of the European Commission, Sept. 6, 2000.
Despite the facts, questions about the safety and benefits of sucralose often stem from misinformation and misunderstandings. For example, high dose studies in animals are conducted to understand the total safety profile of a substance, including potential safety boundaries. In such studies, however, the low calorie sweetener the animals consume can be equivalent in sweetness to the intake of over a thousand pounds of sugar a day! This means that a particular outcome in any of these studies cannot be taken out of context. Experts in evaluating food ingredient safety, however, need this information to help understand safety.