SPLENDA®
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 |
Q: "Has there been any research regarding the effect of splenda on blood sugar levels?"
A: SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener (also known as sucralose) is a sweetening ingredient that is made from sugar (sucrose). However, your body does not recognize it as sugar or a source of carbohydrates, so SPLENDA will not raise blood sugar in people with diabetes. The sucralose molecule is very stable, so it is not broken down in your body. SPLENDA passes through your body quickly after you eat it.
SPLENDA has 2 calories per teaspoon, or 1/8 the calories of sugar (a teaspoon of sugar has 16 calories). There are no calories in sucralose. The granular, packet, and tablet forms of SPLENDA contain a small amount of calories from the bulking agents-- maltodextrin, dextrose, and lactose. The number of calories is so small that your blood sugar levels should not be affected when you eat these sucralose forms.
More than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period have evaluated Splenda, and in April 1998, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of sucralose. No population group is excluded from using SPLENDA, and no warning labels or information statements are required for products sweetened with SPLENDA.
Summary of other findings, taken from the SPLENDA brochure:
- Can be used by all individuals, including pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- Does not promote dental plaque or tooth decay.
- Does not contain phenylalanine so poses no risk to patients with PKU.
- Is extremely stable under hot and cold conditions over long periods of time (which means it is heat-stable-you can bake with it).
- Not carcinogenic.
For more information, visit the SPLENDA website.
Finally, since individual responses can vary, be sure to consult your diabetes team to see if SPLENDA is right for you.
Related Links
Calorie Control Council
http://www.caloriecontrol.com
SPLENDA
http://www.splenda.com
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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