4 Health Risks of Consuming Sucralose, the Artificial Sweetener

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute with a sweetness level higher than aspartame. Quoting Cleveland Clinic, sucralose is 600 times sweeter than non-caloric sugar.

Sucralose is favored for its non-existent bitter aftertaste. The artificial sweetener is contained in bubblegum, sugar-free drinks, ice cream, and yogurt. Sucralose is also used for grilled cuisines for its heat-resistant nature.

Although the majority of studies showed that sucralose does not have negative impacts for the most part, several studies show the opposite. 

Quoting Healthline, there are several health risks attributed to consuming sucralose:

1. Effects on blood sugar and insulin

Several studies found that sucralose can reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the blood sugar level in your body.

2. Grilled sucralose is unhealthy

Sucralose is believed to be heat-resistant. However, a recent study showed that sucralose is easily degraded and interacts with other compounds. For example, grilling sucralose with glycerol, the fat compound, will create chloropropane production, a cancer risk factor.

3. Affecting intestinal health 

A study found that consuming sucralose 20% of your daily intake does not affect the probiotics in your intestines. However, a recent study on rats found that consuming sucralose long-term has negative effects on the animal, such as disrupting the balance of the intestinal microbiome. Thus, a comprehensive study on the long-term effect of consuming sucralose on human intestinal health is needed.

4. Affecting body weight

Non-caloric sugar is perceived as healthier and better for weight loss. However, a study found that non-nutritive sweeteners could reduce weight by 0.8 kilograms on average.

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