Does sucralose cause diarrhea? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

moz · 06-03-2004, 09:23 PM

Hello.

Can sucralose cause diarrhea in people with IBS or sensetive digestive systems. I'm taking a fruit punch protein drink with sucralose in it after I work out. Just curious.

Regards,

Moz

Neko608 · 06-03-2004, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moz

Hello.

Can sucralose cause diarrhea in people with IBS or sensetive digestive systems. I'm taking a fruit punch protein drink with sucralose in it after I work out. Just curious.

Regards,

Moz

Typically no, but sucralose is often used with sugar alcohols (Maltitol) which if you have too much of can give you a pretty nasty case of gas and the runs. A protein drink should be A-OK, but don't make the mistake I made of purchasing sugar-free gummy worms and inhaling the whole package in one sitting. I paid dearly that night.

modert · 06-03-2004, 11:10 PM

Absolutely! Sucrolose is chlorinated sucrose - and many people are sensative to its chlorine components. Also, only about 30% of sucrolose is metabolized after consumed, the rest is excreted in your bowels. This is why the most common symptoms of sucrolose sensativity are nausea and diarreah. I would say if you have IBS you should avoid it. The same is true for sugar alchohols and fermentable carbs - the "mystery" ingredients that convert traditional junk food into "low net-carb" food. All of these are chemically modified components that the human body has great difficulty digesting. They are known to contribute greatly to gastrointestinal illness.

On the other hand, if you have been consuming sucralose or other chemically modified sugar/carb substitutes and not experienced any side effects or ill health, you may just be a person who can tolerate these substances and it probably won't hurt you in the short term.

zip2play · 06-04-2004, 10:41 AM

Nope, not a chance that it's the sucralose....

Maybe the "fruit punch protein" drink is the culprit. Large amounts of fruit can cause diarrhea. Sucralose is not metabolized by the body or by the flora in the intestines.

modert · 06-04-2004, 12:44 PM

Sucralose, sugar alchohols, and fermentable carbs are not "digested" in the traditional sense, meaning they are not absorbed into your bloodstream and converted into glucose (some of these substances are, but at a lesser rate than natural counterparts). If you are consuming these substances your body needs to excrete them. The path they follow is your intestinal track. All of these substances are chemically modified. If you have any sensitivities to these substances or their chemical components, you will experience diarreah and/or other gastrointestinal problems. This does not happen to everyone, but if you already have IBS, you really should avoid these ingredients.

Some people will not experience any problems at all and these substances help them achieve a dietary objective - they certainly have carved their place in the market. But there is much controversy about these artifical sweeteners and carb substitutes. Its worth it to read up on them and learn as much as you can. The most interesting thing is that the FDA has not yet regulated the labeling of "net carbs" and it may take them another year or two of research before they do.