Is sucralose a bad sugar substitute?

In the search for healthier alternatives to sugar, artificial sweeteners have gained in popularity. Concerns have been expressed regarding its safety and potential adverse health effects.

Sucralose, also known as E955, is a non-nutritive artificial sweetener and sugar substitute with 600 times the sweetening power of sugar. The quantity needed to obtain the same sweetness as sugar is much less. Many sugar-free foods such as frozen desserts, canned fruit, chewing gum, and beverages often contain sucralose. Most of it is not absorbed by the body during consumption and is excreted.

The EU' scientific committee on food (SCF) has authorized sucralose use in food, with a permitted daily intake of 15 mg per kg of body mass per day. Although considered safe for consumption, distinct studies have shown negative secondary effects of sucralose. Research has shown that daily drinking of sucralose-containing beverages was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. This sweetener may also increase the risk for Crohn’s disease.

In addition, ingestion of drinks containing sucralose by nursing mothers could cause vomiting in breastfed infants. Although this artificial sweetener raises concerns, other scientific data confirm their safety when consumed within recommended limits. It is recommended to consume foods or beverages containing sucralose with caution.