THE DANGERS OF SYNTHETIC SWEETENER

THE DANGERS OF SYNTHETIC SWEETENER 



THE RISK OF TAKING SUCRALOSE

WHAT IS SUCRALOSE?
Sucralose, is derived from sugar, or sucrose. Chlorine molecules are added to the sugar molecule. The three chlorine molecules that are added to the substance react chemically to convert the sucrose molecule into a fructo-galactose molecule. Because this is a molecule that does not occur in nature, the body is unable to process or metabolize the molecule when ingested.

Thus, because the sucralose is not metabolized by the body, it supposedly has no calories. However, critics argue that it would in fact have calories if our bodies were able to ingest it, and point out that the lack of ability to metabolize the chemical could have health risks.


The most misunderstood fact about sucralose is that it is nothing like sugar even though the marketing implies that it is. Sucralose was actually discovered while trying to create a new insecticide.

According to the book Sweet Deception, sucralose is made when sugar is treated with trityl chloride, acetic anhydride, hydrogen chlorine, thionyl chloride, and methanol in the presence of dimethylformamide, 4-methylmorpholine, toluene, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetic acid, benzyltriethlyammonium chloride, and sodium methoxide, making it unlike anything found in nature.

According to the book Sweet Deception, sucralose is made when sugar is treated with trityl chloride, acetic anhydride, hydrogen chlorine, thionyl chloride, and methanol in the presence of dimethylformamide, 4-methylmorpholine, toluene, methyl isobutyl ketone, acetic acid, benzyltriethlyammonium chloride, and sodium methoxide, making it unlike anything found in nature.

If you read the fine print on the Splenda web site, it states that "although sucralose has a structure like sugar and a sugar-like taste, it is not natural."

The presence of chlorine is thought to be the most dangerous component of sucralose. Chlorine is considered a carcinogen and has been used in poisonous gas, disinfectants, pesticides, and plastics.

The alleged symptoms associated with Sucralose are:
Gastrointestinal Problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea)
Skin Irritations (rash, hives, redness, itching, swelling)
Wheezing
Cough
Runny Nose
Chest Pains
Palpitations
Anxiety
Anger
Moods Swings
Depression
And Itchy Eyes 

The only way to be sure of the safety of sucralose is to have long-term studies on humans done.
 
 
THE RISK OF TAKING MALTODEXTRIN

WHAT IS MALTODEXTRIN?
Maltodextrin is an artificial sugar that has a mild, sweet taste. Maltodextrin is also known as a polysaccharide and manufacturers create this artificial sugar by applying acids or other enzymes to cornstarch. Maltodextrin is a chain of repeating glucose molecules connected together. You can use this artificial sugar as an additive and a sugar substitute. Maltodextrin also has some purported risks associated with its use.

ALLEGED HEALTH RISKS
The consumption of maltodextrin has similar side effects and health risks as most food additives. These side effects include allergic reactions, unexplained weight gain, bloating and flatulence.

Specific allergic reactions associated with the use of maltodextrin include rash, asthma, itching and difficulty breathing. If you experience any allergic reaction or other side effect after consuming maltodextrin, you should discontinue use and consult with a medical professional. 

Cholesterol Levels
The use of maltodextrin may increase serum cholesterol levels due to its high calorie content. One half cup of maltodextrin contains about 190 calories and 49 g of carbohydrates, which may increase overall cholesterol in your blood stream, particularly low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol.

High cholesterol may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, and it may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

If you suffer from high cholesterol, consult your physician before using a product containing maltodextrin.

Hypoglycemia 
High levels of maltodextrin intake have been associated with an increased risk for developing hypoglycemia, which occurs most often when maltodextrin is used as a performance-enhancing supplement.

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too low, which can occur after maltodextrin use by upsetting the balance of insulin and glucagon, two hormones that regulate blood sugar.

When glucagon is present in your blood stream in large quantities, it depletes your blood sugar stores in your muscles and liver, causing a drop in blood sugar that may lead to dizziness, fatigue, headache, confusion, seizures, coma, and death.

Maltodextrin Allergy
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to maltodextrin use. An allergic reaction to maltodextrin is often the result of an adverse reaction to the base starch, glucose, that maltodextrin is made from. Individuals with allergies to wheat and corn are the most likely to experience an allergic reaction to maltodextrin because of their similar chemical structure.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the throat and neck, the appearance of hives or a skin rash, heavy sweating, and difficulty breathing. If you begin to experience any of these effects following the ingestion of maltodextrin, seek medical attention immediately.