Splenda

More and more evidence is emerging that using artificial sweeteners may be something of a false economy.

In Mike's list of Food Additives - Splenda is placed in the 'safe' category as far as health goes. It is worth noting that not everyone agrees with such an assessment.

However there are other factors at play than just safety. Do these sweeteners really help in the battle of the bulge?

The makers of Splenda have been busy. Busy enough to purchase over 211 domain names - such as SplendaKills.com, SplendaPoison.com, SplendaVictims.com.

It is an elaborate and insidious ploy to prevent any negative information being written on-line.

An article published in the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) consumer magazine clearly advocates artificial sweeteners and lays to rest any of the negative rumors surrounding aspartame and sucralose.

Advocacy group Citizens for Health are asking the FDA to revoke the artificial sweetener Splenda. Consumers have begun to allege that they have suffered health side effects from use of the artificial sweetener. These grievances about health effects range from skin rashes, to headaches, to severe gastrointestinal problems.

As more artificial sweeteners appear on the market, things only get more bewildering for the consumer. Then there is the childish bickering between various players in the industry (see this blow-by-blow time line of the fight between the Sugar Association and Splenda - thanks Lillian).