Splenda is a zero calorie sweetener that’s been on the market for 10 years in the United States. It’s a chemical composition that has its roots in chlorination of normal sugar. Think of it as sugar that has been neutered. It comes in the those little yellow packets and many people find it sweeter than any other artificial sweetener.
Today, the New York Times has a report where Splenda is responsible for obesity. The report says:
The latest salvo comes from Duke University researchers, who have published a study that says Splenda — the grainy white crystals in the little yellow packets — contributes to obesity, destroys “good” intestinal bacteria and prevents prescription drugs from being absorbed.
Odd. If you’ve paid attention to the labeling or seen the ads for Splenda, you’ll know that it is zero calories. This is a lie. Splenda actually contains calories per serving, but since the United States government considers anything less than 5 calories to equal 0, no one knows this.
Now, before anyone grabs pitchforks and goes after the Splenda folks, you have to understand that while the research was done by Duke University it was paid for by the sugar industry.
Does Splenda cause obesity? Obviously, not. Does overeating products containing Splenda cause obesity? Probably.