Splenda / Sucralose

Sucralose (Splenda) is another industry-tested and poorly-tested
sweetener which should be avoided no matter what the FDA says about
it.  There are plenty of time-tested and natural alternatives (e.g.,
stevia) that one can ingest so as to avoid becoming a guinea pig
for an aspartame-like disaster.

Pre-approval and post-approval animal research has shown up to 40% 
shrikage in thymus glands, caecal enlargement and renal 
mineralization.  These effects may or may not be a problem in long-
term ingestion of sucralose by humans.  Industry researchers have 
tried to explain away these findings, and in some cases they may be 
making reasonable points, but it is difficult to be sure because
the research has been 1) inadequate and 2) largely controlled by
the manufacturers (both problems reminiscent of aspartame
"research").  See "New Scientist" (23 November 1991, page 13) for
some information.

My guess is that the delay in approval had less to do with the 
science since the FDA appeared satisfied with the pre-approval 
studies (which doesn't really mean anything IMO) in 1991, and more
to do with "political" influences (e.g., Monsanto).

I hate to see people become guinea pigs for poorly-tested substances 
(with no history of safe, long-term use) that have shown some chronic 
effects in animal studies.  You should consider using small amounts 
of the sweeteners listed on the "Healthier Sweetener Resource List" 
and if you are diabetic or have other health reasons for avoiding 
caloric sweeteners you might want to consider the use of stevia, 
small amounts of licorice root, and fructooligosaccharides.  Please
remember that aspartame caused chronic toxicity after many months or 
years of use and know one know what long-term use of splenda will do 
to your health.  You can have tasty and healthy sweeteners in reasonable 
amounts without risking your future health!

               Healthier Sweetener Resource List
               ---------------------------------
               http://www.holisticmed.com/sweet/


                             - Mark
                          mgold@tiac.net
                    http://www.holisticmed.com/
               http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/
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