Sucralose

Source: THE HINDU

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Context:

• A recent study in India found that replacing sucrose with the artificial sweetener sucralose in coffee and tea showed no adverse effects on glucose or HbA1c levels.
• The study indicated slight improvements in body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI).

About Sucralose

• It is a popular artificial sweetener widely used as a sugar substitute due to its high sweetness and low-calorie content.
• It is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a general-purpose sweetener in various food and beverage products.

Key Features of Sucralose

Chemical Structure	Sucralose is a chlorinated derivative of sucrose. The presence of chlorine atoms prevents it from being metabolized by the human body, making it calorie-free.
Sweetness Profile	Significantly sweeter than sucrose, allowing its use in much smaller quantities to achieve desired sweetness in foods and beverages.
Stability	Heat-stable, meaning it can be used in cooking and baking without losing its sweetness.
Solubility	Highly soluble in water, making it suitable for beverages and liquid food items.

Uses of Sucralose

Food and Beverage	Diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, and many other low-calorie and sugar-free products.
Baking	Preferred choice for baking low-calorie and diabetic-friendly desserts due to its heat stability.
Pharmaceuticals	Used as a sweetening agent in medicines, especially in syrups and chewable tablets.

Health Concerns and Studies

Despite its widespread use and benefits, recent studies have raised concerns about the long-term safety of sucralose, particularly when consumed in high doses.

• Immune Response: A study published in Nature found that high doses of sucralose can impair immune responses in mice. Specifically, it affects T cell proliferation and differentiation, which are crucial for the body’s immune defense mechanisms.
• Membrane Effects: The study conducted by researchers from the Francis Crick Institute in London observed that sucralose affects the membrane order of T cells, leading to reduced efficiency in T cell receptor signaling and intracellular calcium mobilization.
• Implications for Health: When mice with subcutaneous cancer and bacterial infections were given high doses of sucralose, their T cell responses were impaired compared to the control group, which did not show any reduction in immune responses.

Regulatory Status:

• Sucralose is approved by various regulatory bodies around the world, including the FDA, for use as a general-purpose sweetener.
• However, the latest findings suggest a need for further research to understand the potential long-term impacts of high-dose sucralose consumption on human health.

Conclusion

• While sucralose offers significant benefits as a sugar substitute, especially for those managing calorie intake and blood sugar levels, recent studies highlight the importance of moderating its consumption.
• Understanding the possible health implications of artificial sweeteners at high doses is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

Source:

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements correctly describes the uses of sucralose? Sucralose is used in the food and beverage industry as a sugar substitute due to its high sweetness and low-calorie content. Sucralose is not heat-stable and should not be used in baking or cooking. Sucralose is used in pharmaceuticals as a sweetening agent, particularly in syrups and chewable tablets. Sucralose is banned in many countries due to health concerns related to long-term consumption. Select the correct answer using the codes below: A) 1 and 3 only B) 2 and 4 only C) 1, 2 and 3 only D) 1, 3, and 4 only Answer: (A)