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Sucralose is a zero-calorie sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is used in many foods and beverages. However, a recent study has revealed some detrimental effects of sucralose on the gut and DNA integrity.
The study found that sucralose can induce leaky gut syndrome, DNA damage, and increased gene expression related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. In this post, I will elucidate these findings and their implications for human health.
What is sucralose, and how is it synthesized?
Sucralose is a synthetic compound derived from sucrose by substituting three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. It is sold under the trade name Splenda and is approved by the FDA as a safe food additive. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety and long-term effects.
How does sucralose affect the gut?
The gut harbors trillions of beneficial bacteria that assist with digestion, immunity, and health. The gut also has a protective barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
However, this barrier can be compromised by various factors, such as stress, medication, infection, or diet. When this occurs, the gut becomes leaky or permeable, allowing toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to pass through and cause inflammation and disease. This condition is known as leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability.
The new study found that sucralose can induce leaky gut syndrome by altering the gut microbiota and damaging the gut barrier. The researchers exposed human intestinal cells to sucralose-6-acetate, a compound formed when some gut bacteria metabolize sucralose.
They found that sucralose-6-acetate increased the permeability of the gut barrier and reduced the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
How does sucralose affect DNA?
DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for every cell in the body. Various factors, such as radiation, chemicals, or oxidative stress, can damage DNA. When DNA damage occurs, it can lead to mutations or errors in the genetic code that can cause diseases such as cancer.
The body has mechanisms to repair DNA damage or eliminate damaged cells. However, these mechanisms can be overwhelmed or impaired by excessive or chronic exposure to DNA-damaging agents.
The new study found that sucralose can cause DNA damage by inducing genotoxicity. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a substance to damage DNA or interfere with its function.
The researchers exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate. They found that it caused breaks in DNA strands and increased the expression of genes involved in DNA repair, oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis.
Summary
Sucralose is a widely used artificial sweetener that may negatively affect human health.
A recent study has demonstrated that sucralose can induce leaky gut syndrome, DNA damage, and increased gene expression related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenesis.
These findings suggest that sucralose is not as safe as it claims to be and should be avoided and replaced with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, stevia, or monk fruit.
