The Direct and Indirect Impact of Sucralose on Immune Function
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Date
2017-12-18
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Authors
Gray, Taylor Jefferson
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Publisher
East Carolina University
Abstract
1, 6-dichloro-1, 6- dideoxy-[beta]-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy -[alpha]-D-galactopyranoside, or Sucralose, is a highly popular NAS (Non-caloric artificial sweetener) used by millions across the globe for sweetening consumable products. The compound is a derivative of the naturally occurring sugar, sucrose, with three chlorine atoms substituted for sucrose' respective three hydroxyl groups. This simple change in molecular structure makes the compound un-digestible in the human body, resulting in no calories. This has made sucralose particularly favorable for not only those with sugar-intolerant disorders, but also those interested in weight loss. As sucralose has been approved by food safety agencies for markets around the globe, it has become very popular for sweetening a wide variety of consumables, especially as the key ingredient in the iconic sweetener brand Splenda. Though initially believed to be safe for consumption, health risks have already been identified with the usage of this product. Research has shown that sucralose may affect the normal gut flora of the gastrointestinal tract, which are responsible for not only playing a direct and indirect role in both vitamin production and various metabolic processes, but also in co-modulating specific immune responses. As the normal gut flora play an essential role in the body's various immune functions, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of sucralose on the immune system. In addition to this indirect means of impacting mounted immune responses, recent studies suggest a mechanism where sucralose may also pose a direct effect as well by interfering with normal immune cell activities. Here we hypothesize that sucralose will pose a direct and or indirect negative response on immune function. In order to test this prediction, immune cells, as well as representative species of bacteria associated with co-modulating immune responses with Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) were treated with sucralose and specific conditions such as the rate of phagocytosis, migration, and the level of cytotoxicity were evaluated. The results presented here support our hypothesis and suggest that sucralose plays a role in influencing gut-mediated immunity.