Splenda for children??? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

Happy4Me · 02-09-2007, 09:55 AM

I have a 10 year old daughter that is experiencing early puberty and menstrual cycles. Because of this, she has recently been gaining weight. I don't allow her to drink soda/pop and try to limit her sugar intake. I have been making kool aid and lemonade with Splenda. Is this safe for her?? Some say yes, some say no. I'm really confused about this. I thought I was doing a good thing. Thanks!!

Titchou · 02-09-2007, 07:41 PM

Personally, I would use Stevia if you felt you needed a lo cal sugar substitute.
I am sensitive to synthetic sweeteners and would never let a child of mine injest same. As for Splenda, it is distilled with chlorine. If you have no problem with that, fine. I'm allergic to chlorine so I opt not to use it. I have switched to turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw) as it is not highly processed and is zero points on WW.

Happy4Me · 02-10-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

Personally, I would use Stevia if you felt you needed a lo cal sugar substitute.
I am sensitive to synthetic sweeteners and would never let a child of mine injest same. As for Splenda, it is distilled with chlorine. If you have no problem with that, fine. I'm allergic to chlorine so I opt not to use it. I have switched to turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw) as it is not highly processed and is zero points on WW.

Thanks for the info. Where would I find this turbinado sugar?? I was very worried about this and spoke with her doctor yesterday. The doc said it was perfectly safe and fine to allow my daughter the Splenda, as she needs to lose 20 pounds. However, I would opt for a healthier solution and would like to try the turbinado sugar.

wholegrain · 02-11-2007, 02:24 AM

Turbinado and table sugar have pretty much the same glycemic index, which means they do the same thing to your body. Turbinado is sugar in a slightly more natural form, but it's still sugar. It isn't going to help your daughter lose weight.

I highly recommend you look into a lower glycemic index sweetener like stevia how Titchou suggested, or agave nectar. Stevia is an herb that is naturally extremely sweet, after being processed it's a white powder similar to Splenda in taste and texture. Agave nectar is a syrup made from the sap of the agave plant. Both have little or no glycemic index and are totally natural.

wholegrain · 02-11-2007, 02:25 AM

Also meant to tell you you can find both of those, along with turbinado, at any natural foods store or the natural foods section of your grocery store sometimes.