Sucralose has an excellent safety profile. More than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period demonstrate that sucralose is safe for use as a sweetening ingredient. The data from the studies were independently evaluated by international experts in a variety of scientific disciplines, including toxicology, oncology, teratology, neurology, hematology, pediatrics and nutrition. Importantly, comprehensive toxicology studies, designed to meet the highest scientific standards, have clearly demonstrated that sucralose is not carcinogenic.
Which regulatory bodies reviewed the safety profile of sucralose?
Among the regulatory bodies that have evaluated the safety of sucralose are the U.S. FDA, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); the Health Protection Branch of Health and Welfare Canada; Food Standards Australia/New Zealand, the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Food, and a host of others in South America and Asia. Sucralose is now permitted for use in over 60 countries.
Do products sweetened with sucralose carry any warning labels or information statements?
No. None of the regulatory agencies and scientific review bodies that have confirmed the safety of sucralose require any warning information to be placed on the labels of products sweetened with sucralose.
Does sucralose provide calories?
Sucralose is non-caloric and, thus, adds no calories to the foods and beverages it is used to sweeten. Products made with sucralose may contain calories from other nutritive ingredients that provide carbohydrates, protein and fat.
How is sucralose handled by the body?
Although sucralose is made from a process that starts with sugar, it is not a sugar nor does the body recognize it as a carbohydrate. Sucralose is not broken down for energy in the body so it has no calories. The sucralose molecule passes through the body unchanged, is not metabolized, and is eliminated after consumption.
Is the chlorine in sucralose potentially harmful?
No. Chlorine in the form of chloride is a safe and natural element present in many of the foods and beverages that we eat and drink every day. It is in most natural water supplies, and is also found in lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, melons, peanut butter and table salt. In the case of sucralose, the addition of chlorine to the sucralose molecule is what makes sucralose free of calories. Sucralose is an essentially inert molecule and it passes through the body without being broken down for calories.
Products sweetened with sucralose provide good-tasting, lower-calorie alternatives...
How much sucralose may people safely consume?
People may consume a variety of sucralose-sweetened food and beverage products on a daily basis without concern that they are exceeding a safe intake level.
When evaluating the safety of new food ingredients like sucralose, health authorities compare an estimate of the ingredient’s maximum daily intake with the highest daily consumption level consumed in preclinical and clinical studies that was shown to be without harmful effects. Ideally, the intake estimate will be substantially less than the actual consumption levels shown to be without adverse effect in the preclinical and clinical studies.
Studies in animals consuming large doses of sucralose on a daily basis over a lifetime and studies in humans who consumed high levels of sucralose for up to six months have shown no harmful effects. The consumption levels in these studies were well in excess of the estimates of maximum potential exposure to sucralose from foods and beverages.
Can people with diabetes use sucralose?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that sucralose can be safely consumed by people with diabetes. Sucralose is not recognized by the body as sugar or as a carbohydrate. It is not metabolized by the body for energy and does not affect blood glucose levels. Sucralose has no effect on blood glucose utilization, carbohydrate metabolism or insulin production. Products sweetened with sucralose provide good-tasting, lower-calorie alternatives for people with diabetes who are interested in reducing their caloric or sugar intake. As with any nutritional concerns, people with diabetes should consult their doctor or diabetes healthcare professional for advice on an individualized dietary plan.
Can pregnant and breastfeeding women consume sucralose?
Yes. Sucralose can be used by everyone, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Although sucralose may be used as part of a healthy pre- and post-natal diet, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor or nutritionist about foods to eat to support their health, and their baby’s health.
Is sucralose safe for children?
Yes. Sucralose may be safely used by everyone, including children. Sucralose can be a great addition to healthful meal plans designed for children’s needs.
What is the role of sucralose in a healthful diet?
Sucralose may be used as part of a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods in moderate portions. Because sucralose tastes like sugar, has no calories and is ideal for cooking and baking, it helps meet consumer demand for good-tasting foods and beverages without the calories of sugar.
