Splenda - not that splendid
Splenda might sound like a good idea if you are counting calories (3 calories/gram instead of the 4 calories of sugar – and much sweeter) but reading the small script in the scientific literature shows that it might increase not only sugar cravings but appetite in general.
Two recent papers (1,2) have shown that certain cells in the small intestine (L cells) have the same taste receptors (alpha-gustducin) as are found on the tongue. The exposure of the small intestine to sugar and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda) results in the increased expression of molecules that specialize in transporting sugars in the intestines. The result is increased insulin secretion, gut mobility and appetite.
The authors predict that molecules that are able to block alpha-gustducin would hold promise in combating obesity and treating diabetes.
But, the commonly-held belief that Splenda is a healthy sugar substitute is not completely accurate. A gram of Splenda may have only 3 calories but it is as bad as real sugar in turning on sugar craving and increasing your appetite.
1) Jang H-J et al Gut-expressed gustducsin and taste receptors regulate secretion of glucagon-like pepetide-1 Proc Natl Acad.. Sci. USA 104:15069-15074, 2007.
2) Margolskee RF et al T1R3 and gustducin in gut sense sugars to regulate expression of Na+-glucose cotransporter 1 Proc Natl Acad.. Sci. USA 104: 15075-15080,2007