Artificial sweetener sucralose found to damage DNA: Researchers

This compound has been found to disrupt DNA, raising questions about the potential risks associated with its use.

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Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by The Health Master

Sucralose and DNA Damage

Sucralose, a commonly used artificial sweetener, has recently come under scrutiny due to findings that suggest it may cause DNA damage, prompting concerns about its potential impact on human health.

Study Reveals Genotoxic Properties of Sucralose-6-Acetate

A research study conducted by North Carolina State University has shed light on the genotoxic effects of sucralose-6-acetate, a fat-soluble compound produced in the gut after consuming sucralose.

This compound has been found to disrupt DNA, raising questions about the potential risks associated with its use.

Traces of Sucralose-6-Acetate Detected in Off-the-Shelf Products

Surprisingly, even before being consumed and metabolized, small amounts of sucralose-6-acetate have been detected in off-the-shelf sucralose products.

The study suggests that these trace amounts, when combined with additional sucralose-6-acetate produced as metabolites following consumption, exceed the threshold of safety.

Susan Schiffman, the corresponding author of the study and an adjunct professor in the joint department of biomedical engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, warns of the potential risks associated with these findings.

Research Methods and Results

In this study, published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, the researchers conducted in vitro experiments where human blood cells were exposed to sucralose-6-acetate to monitor genotoxicity markers.

The results demonstrated that sucralose-6-acetate effectively disrupted the DNA structure within the exposed cells, confirming its genotoxic properties.

Additionally, the researchers examined the effects of sucralose-6-acetate on human gut tissues. These experiments revealed that both sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate contributed to the permeability of the gut wall, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “leaky gut.”

The chemicals damaged the tight junctions, disrupting the connections between cells in the gut wall. This occurrence allows substances that would normally be eliminated through feces to leak into the bloodstream.

Alarming Changes in Gut Cell Genes

Further investigations unveiled that exposure to sucralose-6-acetate led to increased activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity within the gut cells.

These changes indicate potential health risks associated with the consumption of sucralose and its metabolites.

Revisiting Safety and Regulatory Status

Schiffman emphasizes the need to reassess the safety and regulatory status of sucralose, given the mounting evidence suggesting significant risks.

She strongly advises individuals to avoid products containing sucralose altogether, urging the public to be cautious about its consumption.

Conclusion

The recent study’s findings raise concerns regarding the potential health effects associated with sucralose and its metabolites.

The genotoxic properties of sucralose-6-acetate and its ability to induce a leaky gut highlight the importance of reevaluating the safety of this widely used artificial sweetener.

Consumers are encouraged to make informed decisions and consider alternative sweeteners in light of the growing body of evidence indicating potential risks associated with sucralose.

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