You may know sucralose sweetener by a more familiar brand name, Splenda. Those little yellow packets you can find on tables in restaurants and cafes worldwide contain a substance called sucralose. Most likely, you’ve seen or maybe even used sucralose in the past without even realizing it.
This ubiquitous artificial sweetener may be an excellent alternative for cutting down on their calories or sugar intake. What makes sucralose a great sugar alternative option is that it rarely causes the same adverse side effects as table sugar, such as spikes in blood glucose.
Is Sucralose Sugar?
Sucralose comes from a process that begins with regular table sugar (sucrose), the process alters it, and technically it is no longer sugar.
Food manufacturers include sucralose in various foods to create a sweet taste while avoiding high sugar content. Standard products may comprise chewing gum, canned fruit, syrups, dairy products, and condiments.
Since sucralose is stable at high temperatures, you can use it in baked goods. The substitution is one-for-one, meaning if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, you can substitute it with 1 cup of sucralose and so forth. Research says that baked goods made with sucralose may not rise as high as recipes made with regular sugar. You may want to modify the recipe with 1/2 cup of nonfat milk powder and baking soda at 1/2 teaspoon for each cup of sucralose used in a baking recipe to increase the rise. This conversion is based on Splenda, a sucralose product. (x)
You might want to try the Splenda conversion chart and see if it works for your needs. (x) The converter includes all aspects of Splenda sweeteners.
Even though sucralose is pretty similar to natural sugar, you might notice food with sucralose will probably have a slightly distinct flavor or texture than those made with regular sugar. (x)
What is Sucralose Sweetener Made from?
Even though it contains no regular sugar, it’s a sugar alternative. Sucralose comes from regular table sugar and reacts with the chemical chlorine. On the sucralose molecule, three of the hydrogen and oxygen groups replace three chlorine atoms. This change in molecular structure makes sucrose its own substance and gives it its properties. The process results in a stable artificial sweetener that tastes similar to sugar but is lower in calories and does not cause blood sugar spikes. (x)
In 1976, researchers from Tate & Lyle and Queen Elizabeth College in London discovered the sweetener. The scientists found they could modify the structure of sugar to increase its sweetness and reduce the calorie count. (x)
How Does Sucralose Affect the Body?
The most significant difference between sugar and sucralose is that sucralose is much sweeter and has a lower calorie count, making it a healthier alternative. According to research, sucralose sweetener may have several different positive effects on the body, including:
- Digestion
- Blood sugar
- Dental health
We reached out to Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND, for more information on how sucralose affects the body. Dr. Deshko is a general family practitioner specializing in integrative oncology, anti-aging and hormonal health. Her practice consists of traditional and conventional medicine. Dr. Deshko is the founder of Timeless Health Clinic in Toronto, Canada.
The mechanism behind these potential benefits is that the body does not absorb sucralose like regular sugar. According to Dr. Deshko, the body does not metabolize sucralose, “meaning it passes through your body undigested and thus doesn’t provide calories or carbohydrates.” So it typically does not cause the damage that sugar may cause.
However, although there is research to support these claims, there is no medical or scientific evidence stating that sucralose can definitely treat or prevent any diseases or health conditions on its own. Consult with your doctor before using sucralose or any other supplement. Some qualities about sucralose to consider:
- Digestion & Gut Health
Unlike regular sugar, the enzymes in the digestive tract cannot break down sucralose because of its unique structure. Usually, when you consume food, the digestive system breaks it down and uses it for energy. But in fact, Dr. Deshko states that the body only absorbs about 15% of sucralose, and the gut bacteria cannot absorb it or use the other 85% for energy, so it typically does not add any extra calories. (x) (x)
- Preventing Blood Sugar Spikes
Like we stated before, the body does not entirely absorb sucralose and cannot recognize it as a sugar or a carbohydrate. When sugar enters the body, the pancreas produces insulin to control blood sugar. If blood sugar levels get too high, the body can develop insulin resistance and fail to produce enough insulin to control them. Instead of absorbing it, the body begins to store it in fat cells. It can increase the risk for weight gain or obesity and other risk factors for metabolic syndrome. (x)
It is extremely important for patients who suffer from diabetes, characterized by very high blood sugar levels. But according to research, sucralose sweetener does not spike blood sugar levels because the body does not absorb it, as we mentioned before. Research has concluded that sucralose may be an effective alternative for people with diabetes and may contribute to better glycemic control. (x) (x) (x)
However, individuals who may be at risk for diabetes should be mindful of their food and beverage intake, including sources with artificial sweeteners. It’s best to discuss nutrition with your doctor before using sucralose as a sugar alternative.
- Dental Health
Also, sucralose may not contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems, unlike table sugar. Clearly, most people know that sugar isn’t great for your teeth. But sugar isn’t what causes the damage; it’s the oral bacteria that break down the sugar. Dr. Deshko claims that “because it cannot be metabolized by bacteria that reside in the mouth, it does not promote tooth decay the way regular sugar does.” These properties are a common ingredient in oral health products, such as chewing gum. (x)
Is Sucralose Keto?
Avoiding added sugars is a necessity for a ketogenic diet, so that’s an important question. The goal of a keto diet is to keep the body in ketosis, a state your body naturally reaches to break down fat into energy. (x)
Sucralose may be an excellent choice because it is not high in carbs and has a low glycemic index, so it typically does not raise blood sugar levels. It is another essential element to a ketogenic diet, as keto dieters should keep the blood sugar levels low.
Even though there is research that seems to support these potential benefits, there is no evidence that it can treat or prevent any health condition on its own. It’s essential to consult a physician before you try sucralose as a sweetener.
How to Take Sucralose Sweetener
You can take sucralose by simply adding it into your food or beverages, such as coffee or tea, using it just like regular sugar. You can substitute sucralose wherever you would use table sugar.
The recommended dosage for sucralose powder is 30 mg per serving. But individual tastes may vary. Make sure to consult a doctor before you start using sucralose sweetener.
Where to Buy Sucralose Powder
You can purchase sucralose powder at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying sucralose as a food additive and sugar alternative to potentially prevent spikes in blood sugar, maintain dental health and support digestion? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Is Sucralose Safe? What are the Side Effects?
Consider a pretty safe alternative to regular table sugar. There are still several side effects that it may cause from overuse or individual sensitivity. These potential side effects are not too significant, but they are always something to be aware of:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Laxative effects in high doses
Sucralose may also pose a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It could also potentially harm people with diabetes or low blood sugar and reduce blood sugar too much. To be safe and possibly avoid these side effects, talk to your doctor and make sure sucralose is the right choice for you. (x)
The Bottom Line
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made from regular table sugar. It’s a common ingredient in many food sources and products, including chewing gum, canned fruit, syrups, dairy products and condiments. The body does not recognize it as a sugar or a carbohydrate, so it does not absorb into the bloodstream like table sugar. Research states that sucralose may not negatively affect oral health or blood sugar. The artificial sweetener may be a healthy alternative for those with diabetes or other health concerns.
You can convert your recipes that contain sugar to sucralose. Study says that baked goods made with sucralose don’t rise high compared to regular sugar. It’s suggested you can modify the recipe with 1/2 cup of nonfat milk powder and baking soda at 1/2 teaspoon for each cup of sucralose used in a baking recipe to increase the rise.
Opting for food and drinks with low-calorie sweeteners such as sucralose can effectively control your sugar and calorie intake, which are two essential components to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before you use sucralose as a supplement because it can cause side effects, even though it may have a positive impact on your health.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.