Splenda

Spurlock writes:

“…sucralose [marketed as Splenda] has been linked in animal studies to shrinkage of the thymus glands and enlargement of the liver and kidneys. But as with NutraSweet, Splenda made it to the market before any large-scale, long-term population studies could prove or disprove those results.” (p. 98)

Sucralose was invented in 1976. It underwent more than 20 years of testing before getting FDA approval as Splenda in 1998. The "animal studies" Spurlock mentions involve animals fed enormous amounts of the stuff, amounts no sane person would approach in the course of a regular diet. That's why the FDA reviewed the studies Spurlock mentioned, and found no reason to keep the drug from the market. Here's what the FDA said upon approving the sweetener:

In determining the safety of sucralose, FDA reviewed data from more than 110 studies in humans and animals. Many of the studies were designed to identify possible toxic effects including carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. No such effects were found, and FDA's approval is based on its finding that sucralose is safe for human consumption.

Splenda's been on the market in Canada for 14 years now, with no ill health effects.

Comments

[mobile]

> 'The "animal studies" Spurlock mentions involve animals fed enormous amounts of the stuff, amounts no sane person would approach in the course of a regular diet.'

But this is from a guy whose initial claim to fame was to eat enormous amounts of McDonald's food that no sane person would approach in the course of a regular diet. Methinks that the findings of such studies almost uniquely apply to Spurlock.

[Jonathan Murray]

Splenda may be perfectly safe (all the research says it is), but it tastes like CRAP!

Having fun reading this site.. Morgan Spurlock is a moron, glad to see someone taking the time to point that out in detail.

[Thomas]

I just want you to know your "facts" are incorrect about Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise. Depp's BMI calculates to 22 which is normal weight. And Cruise BMI is 25 which means he is just overweight, no where close to obese. Please check your information before you post. Thanks