A Review on Artificial Sweetener Sucralose and Its Impact on Autoimmunity

Sucralose, a popular artificial sweetener with low-calorie content and strong sweetness, is a common replacement for sugar in today's diet. This review critically analyses the research findings to identify any possible relationship between sucralose intake and autoimmune disorders. Research using various approaches, including in vitro, animal, and human research, yields complex results. The research raises concerns regarding the safety of sucralose, even at amounts deemed ordinary in intake while highlighting undesirable effects such as cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunomodulation. Research on humans indicates possible effects on thyroid function and connections to autoimmune thyroiditis, while studies on animals provide histomorphological evidence of pancreatic toxicity and aggravation of autoimmune disease development. The immunomodulatory effects of sucralose, such as effects on human lymphocytes, T cell-mediated responses, and disruption of intestinal epithelial barriers, are revealed. The interpretation of data is further complicated by individual variability, which is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Study designs are critically evaluated to identify their advantages and disadvantages. Contradictory findings and gaps in the research highlight the complex relationship between sucrose and autoimmunity. Sucralose consumption is advised to be avoided by people with autoimmune diseases due to adverse effects that have been reported. The conclusion summarizes the main findings and emphasizes the need for continued study to inform public health guidelines and personal decisions about sucralose usage. This summary shows that the complex interaction between sucrose and autoimmunity is a developing field that requires ongoing research.