By Sue Kosharek
lifestyle@postbulletin
Q: What is the current thinking about the safety of Splenda? Also, is it chemically related to Nutrasweet in any way?
A: The general consensus is that Splenda (a sugar substitute) is a good product. Many people like the taste better than saccharine or Nutrasweet. It doesn't seem to leave an aftertaste. Another plus for Splenda is that it can be used in cooking and baking. It appears to be very safe. The FDA report on Splenda does not mention any side effects. It is safe for pregnant and nursing women, diabetics and children.
Splenda is not chemically related to Nutrasweet. Splenda is made from sugar; it is a sugar molecule with two chlorine molecules added, so the body doesn't recognize it as a carbohydrate, and does not digest it. Sugar in this form is known as sucralose. It comes in two forms, granular and packet. In the granular form it pours just like sugar and can easily replace sugar in recipes.
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