North Carolina: Sucralose, an artificial sweetener widely used in products such as diet soda and chewing gum, has the potential to damage the DNA content in our cells, a new study has found.
Our DNA contains the genetic code that controls our body’s development, and this serious problem can cause a number of health problems.
The technical term genotoxic would be used for a substance that damages DNA in this way. In this study, the researchers specifically studied sucralose-6-acetate. According to a 2018 study on rats, this chemical compound is formed after the metabolism of sucralose in the body.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, 0.15 micrograms per person per day of all genotoxic compounds is cause for concern, said Suzanne Schiffman, a biomedical engineer from North Carolina State University.
“Research has shown that drinking sucralose-sweetened beverages daily increases the amount of sucralose-6-acetate above the prescribed limit,” he said. And it does not include the amount of sucralose-6-acetate that is formed as a metabolite after sucralose is consumed.
In view of this alarming situation, the researchers are requesting the food quality monitoring agencies to revise the safety regulations regarding the use of sugar substitutes in foods.
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