Does Splenda Cause Weight Gain?

[Erik]

Most supplement companies use Splenda (a.k.a. Sucralose) to sweeten their protein powders, low-carb bars, RTDs etc. But according to findings of a new research study done at Duke University , Splenda may interfere with the absorption of nutrients and pharmaceuticals and also cause weight gain!

Study Design
Researchers separated 50 rats into 5 equal groups. One group was administered only water with its diet, thereby acting as the control group, the other 4 groups had various levels of Splenda so that researchers could test the affect high and lower doses of the sweetener.

Why Were Rats Used?
The study was performed with rats because the studies that were submitted for the approval of Splenda to the FDA when were mostly performed on rats. The Acceptable Daily Limit (ADI) approved by the FDA , was based on studies in rats so researchers wanted to repeat these conditions.

Results
At the end of the initial 12 weeks, significant reductions in the levels of so-called beneficial bacteria were observed. The body weight of the animals in all the groups increased, but significant increases were observed in animals receiving Splenda, said the researchers.

[Erik]

A post response from a Dr. Nicole Sundene:

I always have skepticism around anything new and although Splenda appears somewhat benign right now, I think that anything sweet tasting will create a cephalic response, burn out the pancreas, create an insulin resistant picture, and result in the expected weight gain that is attributed to other “diet foods”. The problem according to Chinese medicine is that Americans are obsessed with the sweet and salty flavors and do not get enough bitter and pungent to balance them out.

I have been following all these flashy food additives since back when Olean/Olestra came on the scene and my biochemistry instructors tore them to bits. I remember that day in class when it was predicted exactly why this stuff would be taken off the market and the shortcomings. When the product then started to show signs of problems, I decided that food science was pretty interesting and continued to investigate a variety of chemicals in our diets.

There is alot that we should be concerned about when ingesting artificial substances, and I don’t know why people continue to look for ways to cheat the system, when the only thing that is getting cheated is their own body.

Dysfunctional bowel flora is a concern as it will likely lead to a dysfunctional immune system as 70% of our immune system smartly surrounds our gut in the form of GALT (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue). With the advent of artificial sweeteners we have seen a huge spike in autoimmune disease as well, and this research supports my theory about gut flora/food allergies/autoimmunity. People generally really improve when on a whole foods/hypoallergenic diet.

So, should Splenda come packaged with pro and pre biotics? May not be a bad idea! But, I don’t think I will be doing much to help out the artificial food producers when my goal is to get people off this crap and on to a whole foods diet and lifestyle.

My concern with Splenda, that I am currently researching… is that it has a chlorine molecule attached to it, and we know that chlorine attacks and kills healthy cells which ages the system. Back in WWII chlorine was used as chemical warfare…and now we think it is ok to put in our food and water!

Diabetics already age rapidly due to the glycosylation process that occurs when blood sugars are high. So I fear that this substance will further diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, and kidney disease.

Although researchers claim the molecule to be stable at various conditions…that is a very blanket statement, as we know that it is the nature of all molecules to in time break down and convert in to something else.

What that substance breaks down into and under what conditions is what I want to know.

[jills]

how much usage are they talking about? Should it not be used at all or used in moderation?

[Erik]

Very good question. I'll have to track down the study.

[smuggie]

I'm interested in knowing too.

[Blondell]

I don't think I like where this thread is going. :lol:

[Patricia]

I don't think I like where this thread is going. :lol:

:lol3:

I have actually converted to stevia and like it much better...it's a lot sweeter to me.

[smuggie]

I don't think I like where this thread is going. :lol:

How did I know you'd be all over this thread like white on rice. :lol:

[Jen]

:lol3:

I have actually converted to stevia and like it much better...it's a lot sweeter to me.

thats great! (converting) :D


Great info, Erik. :thumb: I wish more people would get off artificial sweeteners...even in "moderation"

[Blondell]

I tried stevia. It didn't do it for me. :sad:

[MichelleS]

I don't even like the stuff. Not sure what my protein has in it.

[Kristyn]

i have the sweetleaf stevia in the packets and don't really like it. It tastes bitter. I guess I'll try the drops. I use way too much splenda.

[Blondell]

How did I know you'd be all over this thread like white on rice. :lol:You mean "like Splenda in my oats", right? I have a box of 400 packs along w/ the granular bag at my house right now. Those are my options. Sometimes I like change so I switch b/w the two. :funny:

[smuggie]

You mean "like Splenda in my oats", right? I have a box of 400 packs along w/ the granular bag at my house right now. Those are my options. Sometimes I like change so I switch b/w the two. :funny:

Yeah, that works too. :lol:

[Inatic]

:lol3:

I have actually converted to stevia and like it much better...it's a lot sweeter to me.

hense why i've had trouble fully converting to it. :oops: but im working on it.

the vanilla stevia is really nice and not overly sweet.

[Anca]

You mean "like Splenda in my oats", right? I have a box of 400 packs along w/ the granular bag at my house right now. Those are my options. Sometimes I like change so I switch b/w the two. :funny:

Me too. :oops:
But I did start using a lot less of it. I used to hate but have grown to like Sweetleaf French Vanilla Stevia packets and NOW Stevia Packets (plain). I am trying to give up the Splenda as fast as I can.

[Meechel]

I don't think I like where this thread is going. :lol:

Don't worry I got your back! :wink:

[Meechel]

You mean "like Splenda in my oats", right? I have a box of 400 packs along w/ the granular bag at my house right now. Those are my options. Sometimes I like change so I switch b/w the two. :funny:

I have the two bags at my house :help: and need to bring one to work :lol3:

[mackie]

Why Were Rats Used?
The study was performed with rats because the studies that were submitted for the approval of Splenda to the FDA when were mostly performed on rats. The Acceptable Daily Limit (ADI) approved by the FDA , was based on studies in rats so researchers wanted to repeat these conditions.


I read a report (can't recall where) that claimed its difficult to perform these studies on rats, because the rats won't even eat the stuff. :lol: Not even when they're hungry. They have to trick them and disguise it.

Thanks for the reports, Erik!

[gymgurl]

You mean "like Splenda in my oats", right? I have a box of 400 packs along w/ the granular bag at my house right now. Those are my options. Sometimes I like change so I switch b/w the two. :funny:

Same with me. I think I am at least 1/3 made of splenda by this point... :) I use way too much, but I've never noticed an issue with it and weight gain...

[MaryBeth]

I've converted to Stevia in packets and the flavored drops. I use less since it is sweeter than Splenda.

Not a hard sell for me since I dropped weight and inches faster than Speedy Gonzales.

[jmr1228]

Does anyone else break out from artificial sweeteners? Or retain water? I can't have any artificial sweeteners (Splenda included) or I break out in cysts and my face puffs up like a marshmallow.

Needless to say, I converted to stevia a few years ago :lol:

[Cara]

Does anyone else break out from artificial sweeteners? Or retain water? I can't have any artificial sweeteners (Splenda included) or I break out in cysts and my face puffs up like a marshmallow.

Needless to say, I converted to stevia a few years ago :lol:

Not me, but if I did I'd switch over to stevia completely, too! :lol:

[Patricia]

hense why i've had trouble fully converting to it. :oops: but im working on it.

the vanilla stevia is really nice and not overly sweet.

Yes! The vanilla liquid stevia drops are sooo good!

[Noel Clark]

I just got some stevia...powder and some drops that are choc flavored! so excited to taste them...tomorrow. :D

[Inatic]

I just got some stevia...powder and some drops that are choc flavored! so excited to taste them...tomorrow. :D

less is much better when you start with stevia.. remember it is VERY sweet.

[Jen]

less is much better when you start with stevia.. remember it is VERY sweet.

:yeahthat: Good point Ileen!! start with a little or too much is bitter sweet

[Noel Clark]

less is much better when you start with stevia.. remember it is VERY sweet.

I have actually heard that it isn't sweet but more just ends up being bitter tasting. :sick: I am going to start slow :)

[Donna]

I did hear about this. Also, Splenda is supposedly chlorinated sugar...another chemical NOT good for you. I actually had withdrawal headaches coming off of Splenda.

[leanne]

Erik,

What do you think about stevia?

[mcv]

Erik,

What do you think about stevia?

:yeahthat:

The docs at Mayo told me to go with Stevia over Splenda, but have not had the will to change over yet.

[leanne]

Also, have you guys heard of the diet coke that is sweetend with stevia? I have heard it is only available in both Japan and Canada.

[Kristyn]

I did hear about this. Also, Splenda is supposedly chlorinated sugar...another chemical NOT good for you. I actually had withdrawal headaches coming off of Splenda.

Good lord, it keeps getting worse and worse. I threw out my box of 1000 (love Costco) this morning! I have the powdered Sweet Leaf Stevia, but where do you get the vanilla and chocolate drops??!

[leanne]

I found them on http://steviasmart.com/stclfl.html

[Erik]

Erik,

What do you think about stevia?


:yeahthat:

The docs at Mayo told me to go with Stevia over Splenda, but have not had the will to change over yet.

I think it's good - and it's an alkaline substance, unlike the highly acidic nature of things like aspartame and sucralose.

[Erik]

Also, have you guys heard of the diet coke that is sweetend with stevia? I have heard it is only available in both Japan and Canada.

We have this in Canada? :shock:

[Inatic]

We have this in Canada? :shock:

there are a few stores here that supposedly carry it. I havent hunted it down YET!
I think i know where the one store but not going to make way there just yet.. gas down here is too scarce to 'waste'

[leanne]

I heard that last year that diet coke with stevia was available. Maybe they pulled it from the shelves......bummer

[smuggie]

I've never seen it in Quebec.

[Anca]

Good lord, it keeps getting worse and worse. I threw out my box of 1000 (love Costco) this morning! I have the powdered Sweet Leaf Stevia, but where do you get the vanilla and chocolate drops??!

My Whole Foods carries lots of flavored Sweet Leaf drops. Lemon, Vanilla, Chocolate, English Toffee. I have the last one but whenever I use it it seems like it doesn't sweeten enough; I add more of it and then of course everything turns bitter. AND the English Toffee flavor is very mild at best.
I like the packets better so far.

[Audrey]

Good lord, it keeps getting worse and worse. I threw out my box of 1000 (love Costco) this morning! I have the powdered Sweet Leaf Stevia, but where do you get the vanilla and chocolate drops??!

You can buy it at Whole Foods or online:

http://www.amazon.com/SweetLeaf-Liquid-Vanilla-2-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B000FBL8NM

[Inatic]

i've pretty much given up 'pop' and have only had a few sips out of hubbies or kiddos can. Lately i've been drinking sparkling water with only natural flavors and NO swtners at all. Not bad. Sometimes i'll add a few drops of fl stevia or a lemon flavor packet.

Yesterday i found 'pop' with STEVIA and erthyritiol (sp) in it. The flavor was rootbeer that i sample and can i just say
:omg:

The brand is called ZEVIA. The taste was soooooooo good and i had to keep checking the nutrient panel because i couldnt believe it.. NO artificial taste and tasted sinful.

I also got some cola and that is pretty darn good too! They also had orange and lemon lime that i didnt get.

Stuff was pricey though at 4.59 a 6pack..

[Erik]

Wonder if that's in Canada.

Oh silly me. :dry:

[Inatic]

I did a google search.

[Noel Clark]

Where did you get it?

[Inatic]

A store over my way just opened called Natural Foods. Not sure if it is a chain but i remember googling and seeing it in your area as well.

I bought one out of the fridge section first where they have single serving drinks.

www.zevia.com

http://www.zevia.com/get_zevia.html

[Mols]

A store over my way just opened called Natural Foods. Not sure if it is a chain but i remember googling and seeing it in your area as well.

I bought one out of the fridge section first where they have single serving drinks.

www.zevia.com

http://www.zevia.com/get_zevia.html

i ordered the "free" 6pack sample, cost me 10 bucks for S&H :lol:

[smuggie]

Wonder if that's in Canada.

Oh silly me. :dry:

Of course not. :dry:

[KellyFL]

A store over my way just opened called Natural Foods. Not sure if it is a chain but i remember googling and seeing it in your area as well.

I bought one out of the fridge section first where they have single serving drinks.

www.zevia.com

http://www.zevia.com/get_zevia.html

I've been debating trying this for a while now... Based on the positive feedback I'll definitely have to give it a go. Was rootbeer the only flavor you tried?

[Inatic]

i've had the cola as well. But the gal at the market said the lemon lime gets excellent reviews as well.

I'll get the other flavors to try when this runs out.

[mackie]

i've had the cola as well. But the gal at the market said the lemon lime gets excellent reviews as well.

I'll get the other flavors to try when this runs out.

Thanks, Ileen! I just did a search - they carry it at several stores, in my area. I'll have to try it.

[bcmom]

Wonder if that's in Canada.

Oh silly me. :dry:

I just bought Zevia soda in BC (at a local health food store). On sale for 88 cents / can and regular price $1.28. I don't drink soda ever but I felt like I needed a caffeine boost, and picked up the cola (45 mg of caffeine). I picked up a lemon flavoured one for my 8 year old son (no caffeine) and he liked it. He never gets pop, so he doesn't really discern the taste difference.

[kaiZEN]

I would be interested as well. I like stevia, and use it more frequently because, as posted above, I think it is sweeter and you get more "bang for your buck." But splenda is everywhere now. I also read somewhere that it kills the good bacteria in your intestines (likely related to the absorbtion issue), though I don't think the author backe that up with anything credible. I will be curious to know what you find out Erik.

[shimmeringpearl]

:crying: I am crying myself a river. Splenda is the only one I like so far. It only goes in my coffee but I suppose that is too much with the amount of coffee I drink :(

[Inatic]

Deidre, have you tried stevia in the raw.. That one has no bitter taste and its powdered.. I much prefer the packets over the bulk/bag.

[shimmeringpearl]

No, but I think my aunt has some I can borrow/use

[shimmeringpearl]

I bought some of the orange drops, Ileen was right, it IS sweet!

[karenmonette]

it took a while but I have adjusted to stevia quite well! I still use splenda a little, in my Timmies because that is all they have : (

[Scarl3tbutt3rfly]

i've pretty much given up 'pop' and have only had a few sips out of hubbies or kiddos can. Lately i've been drinking sparkling water with only natural flavors and NO swtners at all. Not bad. Sometimes i'll add a few drops of fl stevia or a lemon flavor packet.

Yesterday i found 'pop' with STEVIA and erthyritiol (sp) in it. The flavor was rootbeer that i sample and can i just say
:omg:

The brand is called ZEVIA. The taste was soooooooo good and i had to keep checking the nutrient panel because i couldnt believe it.. NO artificial taste and tasted sinful.

I also got some cola and that is pretty darn good too! They also had orange and lemon lime that i didnt get.

Stuff was pricey though at 4.59 a 6pack..


Someone was telling me Blue Sky soda has some that is made with Stevia now. She said she bought it at Whole Foods I believe. I've not tried it myself, but she said it was pretty good.

[kaiZEN]

I wish I could cut all artificial sweeteners out. It seems that the market introduces one only to have all of the studies about your old favorite exposing why it may kill you. I have moved on to Stevia, but it seems it is only a matter of time. At least this one is "natural." We will see how long that information lasts.