Scientists found Splenda significantly increased the risk for leukemia, as well as other cancers, research that is in line with other studies in recent years.
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The Independent has contacted the Ramazzini Institute for a comment.
The study found “significant dose-related increased indicence of males bearing malignant tumors” and a “significant dose-related increased incidence of hematopoietic neoplasias in males” after being fed high amounts of sucralose for their lifespan.
Heartland Food Products Group, which makes Splenda, responded that the study “does not reflect the collective body of scientific evidence proving the safety of sucralose”. They said sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose and used in over 4,500 products.
While it may be hard to take one, mouse-tested study seriously, it’s also important to know there is an abundance of research out there prompting consumers to avoid sucralose.
Splenda manufacturers, on the other hand, refuted the claims and called study unscientific and poorly conducted that does not adhere to worldwide standards.
“Extensive research strongly supports that sucralose is safe for everyone and does not cause cancer”, the statement read.
The researchers added that more studies are needed to prove whether sucralose is safe.
They continued: ‘Considering that millions of people are likely exposed, follow-up studies are urgent’. It has been linked to higher risk of leukemia and other tumors by researchers in the latest study.
‘Worldwide regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority, Health Canada and the World Health Organization, have reviewed these studies and confirm that results show no link between sucralose and cancer’.
CSPI said that the only long-term feeding studies on the artificial sweetener in animals, prior to the Italian study, were conducted by Splenda’s previous makers, Johnson & Johnson.
Increased sugar intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart problems. For one thing, the lab behind the study has been criticized in the past, making their studies questionable.
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‘It appeared that numerous rats were sick with chronic lung respiratory disease, which just so happens to cause the same kinds of cancer that Ramazzini attributed to aspartame’.
