Sucralose as sugar substitute

Why in news?

A recent article published in the journal “Diabetes therapy”, examining the effects of replacing sucrose(table sugar) with an artificial sweetener, Sucralose has found that judicial use of Sucralose had no adverse impact on glucose or HbA1c levels, and shows significant improvement in body weight and BMI.

What is sucralose?

ØSucralose is a type of artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute.

ØChemically, it is a chlorinated derivative of sucrose (table sugar).

ØIt is known for being much sweeter than sucrose—about 600 times sweeter—while containing virtually no calories.

Artificial sweeteners:

ØArtificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that are used as alternatives to natural sugars.

ØThese sweeteners are chemically synthesized and provide a sweet taste without the high calorie content of regular sugar.

ØThey are commonly used in various food and beverage products, including diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and low-calorie snacks.

ØSome examples of artificial sweeteners are saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantame.

Negative Impacts:

Controversial Health Effects:

Some studies suggest potential negative health effects of artificial sweeteners, such as an increased risk of metabolic disorders, and disrupted gut microbiota. However, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.

Digestive Issues:

Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, after consuming products containing artificial sweeteners.