sukralos

Sukralos, commonly known as sucralose, is a synthetic sweetener derived from sucrose by replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. The resulting molecule is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose and is not metabolized to provide calories. Sucralose is produced through a selective chlorination process, yielding a stable compound suitable for use in a wide range of products.

It is heat-stable and widely used in foods and beverages, including soft drinks, desserts, and baked goods, as well as in toothpaste, chewing gum, and some medications. Because it is largely unabsorbed and excreted unchanged, it contributes negligible energy to the diet.

Regulatory agencies worldwide have evaluated sucralose for safety. It has been approved for general use in many countries since the late 1990s or early 2000s. Evaluations by agencies such as the FDA and EFSA have found no evidence of carcinogenicity or genotoxicity at conventional exposure levels. Some studies have examined possible effects on gut microbiota or glucose metabolism, but findings are not conclusive, and intended intake within established guidelines is considered safe by major authorities.

Environmental considerations include that sucralose is persistent in some environmental compartments and is not readily biodegradable. It has been detected in surface waters, raising questions about long-term ecological effects, though current evidence of harm at environmental concentrations is limited and further research is ongoing.