Sugar can be one of parent’s worst enemies when it comes to feeding their children. Sugar naturally raises children’s serotonin levels, making them excited and abnormally upbeat and energetic. Natural sugars such as molasses, dates, maple syrup, honey, and stevia contain healthy ingredients such as vitamins, zinc, potassium, and calcium that can be beneficial to children’s growth. However they still cause this sometimes incontrollable increase in children’s energy levels. Can you imagine something that could be more alarming than the effects of too much natural sugar in your children’s body? That something is called Sucralose. The molecular formula for Sucralose is C12H19Cl3O8, meanwhile the IUPAC name is 1,6-Dichloro-1,6-Didieoxy-β-D-fructofranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside. …show more content…
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener often found in soft drinks and low calorie foods commonly known as Splenda. Sucralose is created from regular table sugar sucrose. The difference between Sucralose and table sugar sucrose is that three hydroxyl groups that are normally within the sucrose compound are replaced with chlorine atoms turning it into a completely different structure with different chemically properties. Sucralose is said to be 600 times more sweeter than regular sugar and depends on the replacement of chlorine from hydrogen for its extra sweetness. This creates a sweetener similar to table sugar yet is calorie free. In addition to this being a calorie free substance this is also a carbohydrate free substance, which is why it is spoken to be a healthier substitute for foods. Sucralose was designed by food scientists in 1976, and in 1998 it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be administered to the public.
In 1999, it was generalized by the (FDA) as to be used as a general purpose sweetener in the United States along with 80 other countries. Sucralose is used in many different types of sugary foods and beverages such as carbonated soft drinks, low calorie drinks, maple syrup, yogurt, breakfast cereal, ice cream, and dietary supplements. Low calorie drinks may not seem like they would be sugary, but often times more sugar is placed into low calorie foods and beverages to make up for the lack of calories. According to the Sucralose Fact Sheet, studies have shown that Americans are incorporating sucralose more so into their diets in order to increase their healthy eating, and lower their calorie counts. As a result of the addition of the chlorine atoms, the Sucralose doesn’t affect the body in any beneficial way. Sucralose cannot be broken down or made into energy, and because of the chemical composition it isn’t considered a sugar or a carbohydrate. As a result of this sucralose does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, making it safe for people to use with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In addition to Sucralose being beneficial to people with diabetes, no effect on metabolism, safe for the environment, can be used in a weight reduction program, it also doesn’t cause tooth decay, is compatible with common food seasonings, and is …show more content…
heat stable meaning it can be used in baking goods and/or recipes where the use of high temperatures are so required. Numerous studies have been tested on whether or not Sucralose is healthy and the Sucralose Fact Sheet mentions the cancer, genetic effects, reproduction, fertility, birth defects, immunology, central nervous system, and metabolism are not affected by sucralose…not directly that is. According to further more recent studies on sucralose, sucralose contains carcinogens (cancer related invasions) that the body is unable to detoxify. Sucralose is an organochlorine compound and the body is not created to detoxify organochlorine compounds. Organochlorine compounds when found in the body have been linked to causes of birth defects, cancer, and immune dysfunction. According to the Sucralose Toxicity chart sucralose, other organochlorine compounds, and metabolites sit in the body’s liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract. The FDA argues that only 11-27% of the harmful substances found within Sucralose are digested in the body, however the Japanese Food Council states 40% of Sucralose’s harmful substances are digested in the body. The FDA states that Sucralose is 98% pure, however the 2% that is not pure consists of dangerous substances. Majority of hesitance in the healthy and purity of Sucralose comes from health experts overseas. As previously mentioned Japanese health experts argue that one of America’s favorite artificial sweeteners sucralose is not as pure as the FDA states. Moreover, according to Medical News Today Italian studies have linked sucralose to lifetime risks of leukemia. Dr. Morando Soffritti (director of a college in Bologna, Italy) used over 800 rats to tests the affects of sucralose by feeding them different variations of sucralose from birth to death. As a result, male mice showed increased liver and lung tumors connecting sucralose to cancer risks. In sum, Dr. Soffritti believes that children and pregnant mothers should avoid artificial sweeteners until further extended proof results that there is no connections of any sort of Sucralose and cancer. Another study conducted in America by the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health discusses the possible dangers of Sucralose from a different perspective.
According to the Journal of Toxicology’s latest conducted studies as of Dec. 2013 Sucralose reduces beneficial stomach bacteria, makes medications less effective, releases toxins, and has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Other various linked Sucralose not directly related to the main problems that can result in the body, but having a relationship with problems that can eventually lead to the main problems that can result in the body such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and stomach
infections/complications. In terms of the way sucralose is constructed in general it is caused by the replacement of hydrogens and hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms in the original organic compound creating an organochlorine compound. In the original sucrose molecule there are three sweetness receptor sites, one located amongst the fructose portion of the molecule containing hydrophobic and non polar properties, another containing a partially negative and partially positive alcohol group, and the third hydrogen bonds attached to the glucose portion available to attach to nucleophilic chlorine atoms. The same chlorine found in Splenda is found in swimming pools, however because chlorine is also an unknown component found in numerous other foods which is why it is not as harmful as it seems to ingest chlorine. For this reason also is why chlorine is not included as a listed ingredient for Splenda or Sucralose labels as stated in Chemwiki. Sucralose, overall, is a combination of sucrose (the original table sugar) and chlorine. Sucralose is claimed by the Food and Drug Administration to be a healthier option in comparison to regular sucrose and other sugars, however with the many different controversies and lack of concise proof that sucralose is not related at all to any sort of cancers, health risks, and/or diseases. Sucralose although it consists of no calories nor any carbohydrates has definitely not been tested, and scrutinized well enough to be consider a healthy substitute. Parents have a hard time allowing their kids to ingest a specific amount of sugar knowing it contains healthy ingredients beneficial to children’s development. Although, Sucralose can be beneficial to an extent to helping cater to low calorie diets and people with diabetes, with chlorine being a dangerous yet strong key ingredient in the structure of sucralose it appears it would be much safer for children to continue eating a limited amount of table sugars, then more “healthier substitutes” of sucralose.
National Academy of Sciences (U.S.). Sweeteners: Issues and Uncertainties. Washington, D.C.: National Academy of Sciences, 1975.
Aspartame, or more commonly known as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful and Equal Measure; was discovered purely by chance in 1965 by a chemist named James M. Schlatter, who was testing an antacid drug (Prantini; 2014). The commercial industry believed that “a wonder product” had been discovered, which stood to revolutionise the food industry as an artificial sweetener. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener which is found in many of our foods and beverages universally. Aspartame is two-hundred times sweeter than sugar and is commonly used as a tabletop sweetener, a sweetener in prepared foods, diet foods or drinks, flavored waters, chewing gum, condiments and is even found in flavoring of medicines. It is found in majority of our food products marketed for weight control (Prantini; 2014). Aspartame has a sweeter taste in comparison to sugar, and therefore less of the sweetener can be used in food products in order to achieve the same level of sweetness as if sugar was used; which results in an individual consuming fewer calories and less sugar (American Cancer Society; 2014).
Overall, the consumption of aspartame is not so beneficial. The chemical component of aspartame may be broken down to chemical substances that are potentially harmful and may lead to symptoms such as headaches, vision impairment, hearing loss, memory loss, fatigue, dizziness, and eventually brain tumors. The sweetener may have been developed to lower the amount of calories and be a sugar substitute, but its creation has only produced medical attention. The consumption of aspartame should be limited or not be consumed at all in order to prevent symptoms from occurring. The creation of aspartame may not be so sweet after all.
Aspartame can be considered thalidomide 90s. With names NutraSweet, Finn ZeroCal and other trademarks, sweeteners with aspartame are extremely dangerous because they are present in todaparte in dietetic foods, supposedly healthy, and even children's vitamins, medicines, puddings, gelatin and softening the more innocent coffee.
Sucrase isomaltase deficiency is a disorder that affects normal carbohydrate digestion and therefore absorption, and leads to sucrose intolerance. Intolerance is described as clinical symptoms that are caused by sugar malabsorption (Scriver et al, 2001), in the case of sucrose intolerance this refers to the inability to digest and absorb sucrose, leading to several abdominal symptoms. Although sucrase isomaltase deficiency is not a fatal condition, it can cause suffers discomfort and therefore changes to the diet need to be made in order to avoid the symptoms caused by the deficiency.
Reinke, Beth Bence. "How Sweet It Is: Sorting Out Sweeteners." CBN. The Christian Broadcasting Network, 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.
Abstract: The use of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in various food and drink products has drastically affected the American people in the last three decades. Dominating 55% of the sweetener market because of its industrial benefits, HFCS’s increased use has caused dramatic effects in its consumers, including upsetting normal hormonal functions, destroying vital organs, nerves, and throwing off the body’s mineral balance. As the use of HFCS increased, the rates of obesity, diabetes, and related health problems have escalated, resulting in a nationwide epidemic.
This is a very important aspect of additives in general as before its use the public should have the right to know its effects on society. So the question remains, what are the effects of sodium stearoyl lactylate on the human body? While there are few current published research on the effects of sodium stearoyl lactylate on the human body, experiments have been done in the past on rats. A study made by the World Health Organization in 1969 showed that when 20 male rats were given 5% sodium stearoyl lactylate for 28 days with 20 control on stock diet, their liver weights were slightly higher. (“Toxicological evaluation of some food colours, emulsifiers, stabilizers, anticaking agents and certain other substances") They also tested the effects of sodium stearoyl lactylate on a dog. They started out by feeding the dog SSL for one month at a level of 7.5%, then for two weeks at 12.5%, and finally for a month at 15%. (“Toxicological evaluation of some food colours, emulsifiers, stabilizers, anticaking agents and certain other substances"). When the study was completed, the results showed no changes in blood and organ weights, and the microscopic appearance of the dog's tissues remained the same. (“Toxicological evaluation of some food colours, emulsifiers, stabilizers, anticaking agents and certain other substances") This shows that the sodium stearoyl lactylate had no effect on the dog but a slight effect on rats; faintly increasing their liver weight. The reason this information can be used in order to determine whether or not it is safe for humans is because rats have a similar body structure as humans ("Why Do Scientists Prefer to Experiment on Mice and Rats? FAQ"). This study alone shows that while SSL shows no sign of damaging the body, it can somewhat increase our liver weight, which is a factor that has to be looked into. In all, according to the short term study,
Daniele B, Perrone F, Gallo C, et al. Oral glutamine in the prevention of fluorourcil induced intestinal toxicity: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial. Gut. 2001;48:28-33.
An example is the Aspartame found in diet soda. Focusing on diet soda, it is shown that it is linked to even more diseases and causes more side effects than regular soda. Furthermore, “Numerous studies over the past several years have reported links between diet soda and weight gain, diabetes, heart problems, and other health issues. Most recently, headlines sounded alarms about a higher chance of dementia and stroke among diet soda drinkers” (Is Drinking…). The aspartame that is used in the diet soda is the main culprit for diet sodas effects. In fact, “Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious, including seizures and death” (Aspartame…). Aspartame is a man-made chemical that is made up of aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. With, aspartic acid making up 40%, phenylalanine making up 50%, and methanol making up 10%. Taking in consideration the phenylalanine in diet soda,” Excessive levels of phenylalanine in the brain can cause the levels of serotonin in the brain to decrease, leading to emotional disorders such as depression” (Aspartame…). With the methanol, that is found in aspartame, it “…breaks down into formaldehyde in the body. Formaldehyde is a deadly neurotoxin… With a recommended limit of consumption of 7.8 mg/day. A one-liter (approx. 1 quart) aspartame-sweetened beverage contains about 56 mg of methanol. Heavy users of aspartame-containing products consume as much as 250 mg of methanol daily or 32 times the EPA limit” (Aspartame…). The effects of methanol are caused by the formaldehyde. “Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, causes retinal damage, interferes with DNA replication and causes birth defects” (Aspartame…). Overall it is shown that the aspartame that is found in diet soda is linked to a number of diseases
... in food in the cafeteria lead to clogging the arteries that eventually lead to heart diseases (Ardis). Nevertheless, artificial sweeteners have not been tested in humans and show kids they are healthier, rather than real sugar and real sweeteners, when in reality they contain ingredients that can cause cancer.
Probably some of the most pleasurable and enjoyable memories of a person has to do with sweets. When thinking back to birthdays, there is always the memory of the wonderful cake that mother beautifully made and decorated with frosting and glazes. A typical night out with dad can be transformed into a magical evening with a trip to the ice cream parlor. The end of a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner turns heavenly when a hot apple pie is brought to the table and topped with delicious, melting vanilla ice cream. A good wedding is never complete without the cutting of the splendid multi-level wedding cake, when the happy new couple gets to playfully shove and smear cake and white frosting into each other’s smiling faces. Everyone knows that as a child, the only good part about going to the dentist is getting the candy bar at the end of the visit. Why do some people get sick after eating too much suger? Some people do not even know that the abuse of sugar can lead to negative effects on your body. There is something strangely enjoyable and resplendent about the consumption of sugar. Why is it that sugar is so deliciously enjoyable and at the same time a food product that has many negative affects on people’s health?
In the early 1900s, stevia exploded into popularity in several markets, but the rest of the 20th century was accompanied by vicious battles over it around the world. Some people hail the extract as a healthy, all natural alternative to sugar, while others have health concerns about it, on the basis of laboratory research which suggests the need for further study.
dangerous for the body, and can many times lead to being very ill or death.
In our society today one of the most difficult problems we are facing is the large numbers of obesity in our children. One of the major factors in that is this; our children have become less physically active. At an early age children start watching TV, learn how to operate a computer, and play video games. Having technological skills is now a necessity in all of our lives because everything has turned “computerized,” but the fact is that our children are relying on these types of entertainment rather than getting up and physically exercising to entertain them selves. This directly affects the large number of obese children in our country today because of the lack of physical exercise. It is not that we want our kids to look a certain way or to be better at sports than everyone else, but it is that we want our kids to be physically fit and to develop a healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise is not only for adults, it is for children as well, so we must understand the importance of our children exercising and the benefits from it. By doing that it will make an impact on that child for the rest of his/her life.