Some of the potential sucralose dangers include reduced amounts of good bacteria in the digestive tract, a weakened immune system and possible weight gain. Studies have revealed that sucralose can cause digestive and pregnancy problems as well as changes in the size of the liver, kidneys and thymus. Few of the studies on sucralose dangers have been done on humans, but the studies that have been done seem to indicate that the health risks are minimal when it is taken in moderation. As a result, this sugar alternative has been deemed safe by several food safety regulating organizations in several countries.
Sucralose is one of the artificial sweeteners that is marketed as a zero-calorie sugar substitute. When compared to other common sugar alternatives, sucralose is sweeter and is able to withstand higher temperatures. It also has a longer shelf life than some other sugar substitutes, so it is often used in baked goods, candies and other processed foods.
The artificial sweetener is chemically produced by replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorinated atoms within the sugar molecule. This chemical structure is foreign to the body, which means that the body does not know how to absorb it as natural food. Research has shown that about 10-30 percent of the ingested sucralose is absorbed into the body. After the sucralose is absorbed, it potentially can build up in the digestive system, as well as in organs such as the liver and kidneys. In addition, sucralose is only about 98 percent pure, which means the other 2 percent might contain heavy metals, arsenic and other toxins that could harm the body.
Studies on the potential sucralose dangers that have been done on animals have shown an increase in the size of the liver and kidneys, as well as a decrease in growth and in red blood cells. A 40-percent decrease of the thymus was also seen, which could potentially impair or weaken the immune system. The digestive system also was affected, resulting in diarrhea and a lower amount of good bacteria in the digestive system. Longer pregnancies, miscarriages and lower fetal body weights also were noticed during the animal studies.
Most of the sucralose dangers that were observed in the animal studies have not been seen in the studies done on humans. There are, however, reports of individuals experiencing anxiety, digestive problems, headaches, rashes and kidney problems while taking sucralose. Other sucralose dangers include numbness in the body, dizzy spells, joint and muscle pain, as well as stiffness.