About Sucralose

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination of Sucralose

Absorption: Most ingested sucralose passes through the digestive system unchanged and without causing gastrointestinal side effects. Studies have shown that about 15% of ingested sucralose is passively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: The small amount of sucralose that is absorbed is distributed to essentially all tissues. Studies show that there is no active transport of sucralose across the blood-brain barrier, across the placental barrier, or from the mammary gland into milk.

Metabolism: Although derived from sucrose, sucralose is not perceived by the body as a carbohydrate. Unlike carbohydrates, sucralose is not broken down during its passage through the body. In humans, approximately 2% of the amount consumed is biotransformed into toxicologically insignificant components that are rapidly excreted in urine.

Elimination: Most ingested sucralose is excreted unchanged in feces, without gastrointestinal effects. Of the small amount that is absorbed, most is eliminated unchanged in urine within about 24 hours.

An Outstanding Safety Profile
Safety studies show that sucralose is a safe and essentially inert ingredient. Conclusions from the studies include the following:

  • No known side effects
  • Not toxic: No adverse effects seen in test animals, even in amounts equivalent in sweetness to 40+ pounds of sugar per day for life
  • No bioaccumulation
  • Not carcinogenic
  • Not genotoxic: Does not cause genetic mutations
  • No effects on fetal or neonatal development
  • Not neurotoxic: No evidence of effects on the central nervous system
  • Not cariogenic: Although sucralose is derived from sugar, it is not used by oral bacteria that cause tooth decay. The maltodextrin and dextrose that are added to the granular and packet forms of SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener have some cariogenic potential, but studies have shown that these SPLENDA® products may be preferable to sugar when comparing potential for causing dental caries
  • No effect on carbohydrate metabolism
  • No calories or carbohydrate: Sucralose is not hydrolyzed or otherwise broken down for energy
  • No effect on short- or long-term blood glucose control or on serum insulin levels**: Sucralose is suitable for people with diabetes and may be used as part of an overall healthy diet designed to meet their unique dietary needs

Use of Sucralose by People With Diabetes
SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener can be used by everyone, including people with diabetes. Sucralose is not recognized by the body as a carbohydrate. Therefore, it is not broken down for energy and provides no calories. Studies in humans with and without diabetes have shown no effect of sucralose on insulin levels, fasting or postprandial blood glucose levels, or long-term blood glucose control (hemoglobin A1c).

** The studies were conducted with pure sucralose, the form of the ingredient used by food manufacturers to sweeten their food and beverage products. The tabletop products also contain bulking agents, which contribute a minimal quantity of calories (fewer than 5) and carbohydrate (less than 1 gram) per serving. Neither SPLENDA® Granulated nor SPLENDA® Packets would be expected to have a meaningful effect on blood sugar levels when used in a reasonable amount.