With every Xeela product, no matter what category - the commonality is our commitment to making formulas that are both highly effective, and good for you. We cut no corners, and make no sacrifices to deliver you the very best. So, it has come into question on social media, why we use sucralose, also known as Splenda® in our formulas - and this question is raised due to misconceptions and half truths that we wanted to address here.
Ultimately we respect each person's right to choose the ingredients and products they consume, but at Xeela - a great amount of consideration and care goes into every product we make, and our stance is: in moderation and reasonable consumption quantities, Sucralose is not only safe; but a highly effective way to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of our products without adding additional sugar or calories.
Artificial sweeteners have become a common topic of conversation amongst health enthusiasts in recent years. With so many different options on the marketplace, it can be difficult to ascertain which types of artificial sweeteners are the safest and best to use as sugar substitutes. Stevia, sucralose and aspartame are some of the most common sweeteners used in supplements and food products in place of traditional sugar.
The problem is, in recent years many people have experienced unrealistic and unfounded expectations regarding artificial sweetener products. Sucralose, also known in the marketplace under the name Splenda, has come under scrutiny. However, research has traditionally proven Sucralose to be a safe and effective substitute in supplements and food products.
Let’s dive into the research behind Sucralose and how it can be a safe and effective alternative as a sweetener substitute.
What is Sucralose?
Sucralose is a zero calorie sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and supplement products. Typically included as an ingredient used to replace the sweet taste of sugar—sucralose contains no calories and is used to sweeten products naturally. It is considered to be about 600 times sweeter than sugar.
It is typically used in products including:
- Frozen foods
- Ice cream
- Baked goods
- Supplements
- Protein powders
Using Sucralose in place of sugar eliminates excess calories while maintaining sweetness in products. Sucralose is actually made from table sugar, however, hydroxyl groups on the sucrose molecule are replaced with chlorine atoms. The structure of Sucralose prevents digestive enzymes from breaking down in the body (1).
Is Sucralose safe?
The safety and efficacy of Sucralose has been called into question by many skeptics in the health industry. However, multiple studies have indicated the sweetener to be safe for use. Some have questioned whether Sucralose affects blood sugar and insulin levels.
One study was performed on individuals with average weights who had no preexisting medical conditions. The results of the study indicated that sucralose has no effect on blood sugar and insulin levels (2). Furthermore, an additional study indicated that sucralose does not appear to modify glucose absorption, glycemic load, or incretin response (3).
Does Sucralose Affect Weight Gain or Loss?
Although some people have claimed that Sucralose can cause weight gain, studies have conclusively demonstrated that zero-calorie sweeteners have no effect on weight loss. Observational studies have indicated that artificial sweeteners do not impact Body Mass Index (BMI) and may actually improve it (4).
In fact the study indicated that low-calorie sweeteners reduce all outcomes including:
- Body weight
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Fat mass
- Waist circumference
Substituting low calorie sweetener options in place of traditional sugars may help reduce weight and be a useful dietary tool for improving weight loss and weight maintenance compliance (5).
Should you Consume Sucralose?
Sucralose is commonly used in place of sugar as an artificial sweetener in place of traditional sugar. Although there has been much skepticism regarding the safety and efficacy of sucralose, the results of studies have conclusively indicated that sucralose is a safe and viable alternative to traditional sugar.
If you would like to learn more about Sucralose, feel free to reach out to us to learn more about the products. We’re here to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Become the best version of yourself today and always.
Kindest regards,
Sean Torbati, CSCS, EXOS Phase 3, Pn1
Head of Product Development and R&D, Xeela Fitness
References:
- https://foodinsight.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sucralose/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19221011/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20420761/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4135487/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4135487/