New Study Links Splenda to Leukemia

The idea of getting your sugar without the calories or carbs can seem enticing. But is it always safe? That’s the question being posed by a new study about the artificial sweetener, Splenda, being posed in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. Researchers who conducted the study found that mice fed sucralose daily throughout their lives developed leukemia and other blood cancers.

Recommendation Against Sucralose

In response to the findings, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nutrition watchdog group that evaluates the safety of food additives, has now formally recommended that consumers avoid the sweetener. The group, until about three years ago, had rated the additive as “safe.” Even though the lab behind the study has been criticized in the past, CSPI says this new evidence is powerful and credible because it was not funded by any special interests.

Usually, the studies are conducted by the manufacturers who have financial incentives, and other times, they may be funded by another organization or entity that might have an agenda. The doses of sucralose used in the study were equal to someone drinking 10 cans of diet soda a day, but researchers say that even if you consume less, a problem cannot be ruled out. Scientists say when something causes cancer at high doses it could still cause cancer in low doses. The only difference is that the risk is smaller.

Problems with Artificial Sweeteners

This is only the most recent study to address the problems associated with artificial sweeteners. A growing body of research shows that artificial sweeteners may actually cause weight gain as opposed to weight loss. One study linked drinking diet soda to increased belly fat. In another study, each can of diet soda was associated with a 41 percent jump in obesity risk. Sucralose has even been shown to affect your blood sugar and insulin levels. Scientists say stevia extract, a natural sweetener, may be a safer option.

As product liability attorneys who represent those who have been injured or harmed by defective or dangerous products, we follow news about products that could result in devastating and irreversible consequences for our consumers. If you or a loved one has been harmed by defective products, you may be able to seek compensation from the negligent manufacturers for the injuries, damages and losses you have sustained.