The FDA and health organizations across the globe have continuously confirmed the safety of consuming sucralose, a core ingredient in Splenda Zero-Calorie Sweetener, after decades of research and over a hundred verified studies.
Unfortunately, in an attempt to make headlines, Dr. Susan Schiffman, the author of a May 2023 article about a chemical compound called sucralose-6-acetate (“S6A”), falsely claimed that Splenda contains S6A and that after we consume Splenda, the sucralose in Splenda turns into S6A inside the body and causes DNA damage, gene damage, or is genotoxic. These claims are false. The article is not sound science and its findings have no impact on the safety of Splenda.
Millions of consumers rely on Splenda as an important part of achieving their health goals, and they deserve accurate information, supported by sound science, so they can safely manage their personal health. We want our consumers to have all the facts in one place. If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out and ask.
At Splenda, we are passionate about helping people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easier to reduce their sugar intake. We put sound science first and support efforts to bring greater scrutiny to poorly designed studies that draw false conclusions and unjustifiably alarm consumers.
Below are some misperceptions and recent false claims about sucralose and Splenda – and the real, science-backed facts. The scientific community owes it to the public to ensure research is properly conducted and findings are accurately and appropriately communicated so that consumers can make informed decisions about their health.
#1: FALSE CLAIM: I read that sucralose-6-acetate (S6A) is found in Splenda. This is false.
What is S6A and is it in Splenda?
What the science tells us:
#2: FALSE CLAIM: I heard that sucralose and S6A have been linked to cancer or DNA damage. Is this true? This is false.
What the science tells us:
#3: FALSE CLAIM: I heard that sucralose-6-acetate (S6A) is formed when humans consume sucralose or Splenda. Is this true? This is false.
What the science tells us:
#4: FALSE CLAIM: The author of a recent study claimed that people should not be eating sucralose. This is false.
Have health associations and regulators thoroughly reviewed the safety of sucralose for human consumption?
What the science tells us:
#5: FALSE CLAIM: In vitro experiments on human blood cells and human gut tissues indicate what happens in the body when sucralose is ingested. Do these in vitro (petri dish or test tube) experiments inform what happens in the human body (in vivo)? This is false.
What the science tells us:
#6: FALSE CLAIM: I read sucralose can impact gut health or cause metabolic dysfunction. Is this true? This is false.
What the science tells us:
QUESTION: Does Splenda contain aspartame? No
ANSWER:
How can I be sure Splenda® Sweetener is safe?
Splenda Sweetener is a safe and effective zero calorie alternative to sugar that has been used by millions of people around the world since 1991. The FDA reviewed over 110 scientific studies before approving the use of sucralose. Health associations across the globe, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have concluded sucralose is safe based on years of research and a large existing body of peer-reviewed, scientific literature.
The FDA regulates low-calorie sweeteners through established, rigorous processes to meet the FDA standard of safety. Splenda Original (sucralose) is approved through the Food Additive Approval Process and Splenda Stevia is approved through the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) process, as it is a plant-based sweetener. Whether the low-calorie sweetener is evaluated as a Food Additive or GRAS ingredient, it is approved for use by the entire population, including children, pregnant and lactating women, and people with diabetes. Read more here.
I recently read that Splenda causes harm to DNA and is genotoxic. Is this true?
No. The recent May 2023 article published by the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health makes claims about sucralose-6-acetate (S6A), a chemical compound that is not found in Splenda brand sucralose.
One of the study authors, Dr. Schiffman, falsely claimed that Splenda contains S6A. Splenda brand sucralose products are rigorously tested, and all ongoing testing confirms that S6A is not present in Splenda brand sucralose products down to the lowest detection limit. This claim is false.
In addition, the article claimed that after we consume sucralose, it turns into S6A inside the body and causes DNA damage, gene damage, or is genotoxic. There is no published study demonstrating that S6A is formed when humans consume sucralose or Splenda, and the study authors don’t show any evidence to support this claim. Instead, the authors rely on unpublished data that are not publicly available, much less vetted through the peer review process required by scientific journals.
The authors also claim S6A causes DNA damage from in vitro experiments done on isolated cells in petri dishes. Again, S6A is not present in Splenda, and there is no scientific evidence showing it is produced when humans consume sucralose or Splenda.
Even if S6A were formed when humans consume sucralose, however, it does not translate to increased cancer risk in humans. It is not practically possible to consume the amount of sucralose needed to reach the concentrations of S6A tested in the May 2023 study, even assuming that S6A is formed in the body after consuming sucralose. A person would need to consume tens of thousands of cans of a typical sucralose-sweetened beverage in just a few hours to reach the lowest S6A exposure levels the recent study claimed cause an effect in vitro.
Years of research and review from health organizations across the globe, including the FDA, have confirmed sucralose is safe. According to the National Cancer Institute, a range of studies have found no evidence that sucralose causes cancer in humans.iv
Do Splenda Sweeteners contain Sucralose-6-acetate (S6A)?
No. Sucralose-6-acetate (S6A) is not found in the Splenda brand portfolio of products. The researchers who claimed to have discovered trace amounts of the chemical compound sucralose-6-acetate in sucralose did not report testing or finding it in Splenda, which is manufactured in the U.S. and rigorously tested for impurities, including S6A, confirming that S6A is not present in Splenda brand sucralose products down to the lowest detection limit.
Aren’t sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose the same thing?
No. Sucralose-6-acetate (S6A) is not synonymous with sucralose. Sucralose is a popular, zero calorie sweetener that has been used by millions of people for over 25 years to sweeten foods and beverages. It is also globally approved by food safety organizations including the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
S6A is a chemical compound that is formed during the manufacturing of sucralose; it is removed along with any other impurities during our manufacturing process of Splenda brand sucralose. Splenda products do not contain S6A.
What happens to Splenda (sucralose) after it is consumed?
There is a large body of detailed metabolism studies, conducted in various animal species and in humans, that has shown that absorbed sucralose undergoes minimal metabolism and is excreted through normal body functions.v The body does not recognize sucralose as sugar or carbohydrate, so the small amount that is absorbed is not broken down for energy in the body and contributes zero calories.
Where can I find scientific research regarding the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners?
You can learn more here.
Where can I read more from academic & scientific experts regarding the safety & efficacy of low & zero calorie sweeteners?
You can learn more here.
Will Splenda® (sucralose) cause adverse health effects or diseases like cancer or negatively impact the liver, or cause liver inflammation, or kidneys?
No. Around the world, sucralose has been confirmed as safe. It is approved for use in over 80 countries, is used to sweeten over 4,000 food and beverage products and provides sweetness in some medicines and medical foods. Additionally, in 2019, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shared that sucralose safety tests have indicated no harm when looking at sucralose consumption levels well above expected human intakes. IARC also downgraded sucralose to low-priority in the IARC Monographs 2020-2024, stating that there are no studies on sucralose of cancer in humans. Read more here.
Does Splenda (sucralose) negatively affect gut health?
No, it does not, based on a number of scientific studies:
On August 10, 2023, we filed a lawsuit against Dr. Susan Schiffman for her false and misleading statements about Splenda. We brought this case to set the record straight because Dr. Schiffman’s false claims are harming Heartland and the millions of consumers who enjoy and rely on Splenda to help achieve their health goals. Read the legal filing here.
Sucralose Damages Your DNA??
By Dr_Idz, Dr. Idrees Mughal, MD, MRes Nutrition Research
June 9, 2023
Link to: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_idz/video/7242722642015440154?lang=en
Splenda Sucralose Isn’t Giving You Cancer
Why the recent headlines about sweeteners are extremely misleading
By Gideon M-K; Health Nerd
June 7, 2023
Link to: https://gidmk.medium.com/splenda-sucralose-isnt-giving-you-cancer-8ade5ad7a708
Splenda (Sucralose) Isn’t Giving You Cancer
The Morning Rush – Medical Myth Busting with Dr. Barry Dworkin
June 12, 2023
Is Sucralose That Bad?
Idaho State Journal
By Dr. Jon Malan
June 16, 2023
Press release (June 8, 2023):
Splenda® Brand Addresses Recent Study on Sucralose-6-acetate (S6A)
Link to: https://www.splenda.com/pressrelease/splenda-brand-addresses-recent-study-on-sucralose-6-acetate/
Letter to Splenda users (June 6, 2023):
Splenda® Brand Statement on Recent Study on Sucralose-6-acetate (S6A)
Link to: https://www.splenda.com/blog/splenda-brand-statement-on-recent-study-on-sucralose-6-acetate/
i Calorie Control Council. “Research Claims of Accumulation of Sucralose in Lab Rats Fails to Establish Safety Concern” 2018 Aug 31. i International Sweeteners Association. “Sucralose is safe, as confirmed by wealth of research and food safety authorities around the world” 2018 Aug. ii The Splenda brand family is the sweetener brand recommended most by healthcare professionals clinically treating patients. iii Lobach, Alexandra R., et al. “Assessing the in Vivo Data on Low/No-Calorie Sweeteners and the Gut Microbiota.” Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol. 124, Feb. 2019, pp. 385–399, 10.1016/j.fct.2018.12.005. Accessed 30 Apr. 2020. iv https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet v International Sweeteners Association. “Sucralose is safe, as confirmed by wealth of research and food safety authorities around the world” 2018 Aug. vi Mohamed B. Abou-Donia, Eman M. El-Masry, Ali A. Abdel-Rahman, Roger E. McLendon & Susan S. Schiffman. “Splenda Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal P-Glycoprotein and Cytochrome P-450 in Male Rats.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 71:21, 2008, 1415-1429, DOI: 10.1080/15287390802328630. vii Pieter Van den Abbeele, Jonas Poppe, Stef Deyaert, Ieva Laurie, Thorsten Klaus Otto Gravert, Anna Abrahamsson, Aurélien Baudot, Kavita Karnik & Davide Risso (2023) Low-no-calorie sweeteners exert marked compound-specific impact on the human gut microbiota ex vivo, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 74:5, 630-644, DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2023.2240037.
