A study led by an Italian researcher at Ramazzini Institute found that Splenda, an artificial sweetener, may increase the risk of leukemia. The findings were published in January edition of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.
Increased cases of hematopoietic neoplasias and malignant tumors in males were found after consuming high amounts of Splenda (sucralose) in a lifetime, research found. Sucralose, which is being used in over 4,500 products, is around 600 time times sweeter than table sugar. It is a mix of sucrose and chlorine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
The Food and Drug Administration limits the daily intake of sucralose for children at 5 mg/kg. However, CSPI said that a child (6-year-old, 45 pounds) would exceed that limit by drinking two or three 12-ounces sodas that normally contain 40-60 mg of sucralose per can, as reported by NHV.
Splenda is widely used as an alternative sweetener. It has been associated to increased risks of other tumors and leukemia by in the latest study. The researchers did the experiment on groups of Swiss mice. The groups of mice were given different volumes of sucralose and were closely monitored after receiving it regular dosage of the sweetener.
The researchers have found a notable increase on malignant tumors along with the increase in hematopoietic neoplasias in male mice, after 12 days.
Meanwhile, Heartland Food Products, the makers of Splenda stated that the claim is not true. They called the institute's body of research "unreliable and with an unconventional design that does not adhere to internationally recognized standards," Tech Times reported.
The company said that the sucralose has been extensively studied with over a hundred tests in two decades. They stated that the company's research strongly supports that sucralose is safe and does cause cancer.
Food advocates pulled Splenda's rating from "safe" to "caution" in 2013. This is due to a previous study that was also conducted at the Ramazzini Institute.
