Sucralose
Indications
Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener used in place of sugar in tea, coffee, drinks and food. It is useful for:
- people with diabetes who need to limit sugar;
- people trying to cut down on sugar or calories;
- helping to reduce tooth decay caused by sugar.
It is not a treatment for any illness.
How It Works
Sucralose is made from ordinary sugar, changed so that the body cannot use it for energy. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed. Most of it is not absorbed and leaves the body unchanged, so it adds no calories and does not raise blood sugar by itself.
Dosage and Administration
Use as needed for taste. One tablet or a small measure usually gives about the same sweetness as one teaspoon of sugar; check the pack. Tablets and powders can be dissolved in hot or cold drinks.
The accepted safe daily intake is up to 15 mg per kg of body weight, which is far more than people normally use.
Interactions
No important interactions with medicines are known.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Sucralose or any other ingredient in the product
Side Effects
Sucralose is usually well tolerated. Some products also contain bulking agents or sugar alcohols, and large amounts may cause bloating, wind or loose stools.
Get medical help at once for signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing (this is rare).
Pregnancy and Lactation
Sucralose is considered safe in normal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Some powders and sachets contain small amounts of dextrose or maltodextrin, which add a little carbohydrate; people with diabetes should count this.
- Sweeteners do not replace a healthy diet. The World Health Organization advises against relying on them for weight control.
- Very high cooking temperatures may break Sucralose down; follow the pack advice for baking.
- Keep using your diabetes medicines as prescribed.
Overdose
Sucralose is not harmful in amounts people normally use. Very large amounts may upset the stomach. Ask a doctor if a child has swallowed a large amount of the product.
Therapeutic Class
Non-nutritive (artificial) sweetener; sugar substitute.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, with the lid closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Sucralose