Scientists at North Carolina State University have suspected that the popular sweetener sucralose can damage DNA. The results of the work are published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.

The team conducted a series of in vitro experiments exposing human gut cells to sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose, a common sweetener. During the tests, biomarkers of genotoxicity, that is, the ability to destroy DNA in cells, were monitored.

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They found that both chemicals disrupted the integrity of the epithelium, making the intestinal wall more permeable. The destructive action occurs within the boundaries between cells. This means that substances that are normally excreted from the body flow out of the intestines and are absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, increased activity has been found in genes associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and carcinogenicity.

The authors called for a review of the safety and regulatory status of sucralose as there is growing evidence that it carries significant risks. They also recommended avoiding foods containing sucralose.

In March 2023, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that a high intake of sucralose reduces T-cell activation, that is, it depresses the immune system.