Question:
Has using Sucralose / Splenda caused anyone to dump?

I am trying to discern whether Splenda brand (sucralose) sweetener has caused anyone to dump, when used as a substitute for other sugar in recipes. I know it is derived from table sugar, and therefore am looking for a definitive answer to this, rather than tempt fate with dumping syndrome. ------- Since it cannot be digested and does not affect blood glucose levels, is this what makes it safe if it *is* safe? (Am wondering too, what is the root of dumping... is it an indigestible food source hitting the intestine? Or is it a change in glucose levels? I have heard different opinions. Any Doctors in the house care to comment?) Many thanks!    — lisadiehl (posted on April 13, 2000)

April 13, 2000
My medical dictionary defines dumping syndrome like this: A syndrome characterized by sweating and weakness after eating. My medical-surgical nursing text has this to say about it: When the pylorus (normal point of connection between the stomach and small intestine) has been bypassed, undigested food may rapidly enter the jejunum. Water is pulled into the intestine (from the surrounding blood vessels and tissues) resulting in a decrease in blood volume and intestinal dilation. Peristalsis (the movements of the intestine to propel food further down the tract) is stimulated resulting in nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, abdominal cramping, gurgling sounds, and diarrhea. Decreased blood volume results in a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure when you go from sitting or lying down to standing up, dizziness, flushing, and breaking out in a sweat. In addition, the entry of this undigested food into the jejunum causes a rapid rise in blood glucose. This stimulates the release of an excessive amount of insulin, leading to hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) symptoms 2-3 hours after the meal. Dumping syndrome is managed primarily by a dietary pattern that delays gastric emptying and allows smaller amounts of undigested food to enter the intestine at one time. This is one reason why meals need to be small and why liquids should be swallowed at separate times instead of with the meals. Proteins and fats leave the stomach at a slower rate than do carbohydrates. Carbs, especially simple sugars, should be reduced. Dumping syndrome is typically self-limiting, lasting 6-12 months after surgery, however a small percentage of persons continue experience long-term symptoms. Jean,RN
   — Jean S.

April 13, 2000
I drink Ocean Spray Lightstyle with Splenda and have had no problems. I have dumped before from regular sugar, I once tried Gatorade very diluted(about 8 parts water to one part Gatorade) and I dumped. If you go on the Splenda website it tells you how Splenda does not get absorbed by the body for the most part since the molecules have been changed. I'm not a scientist but I know that it works for me and it doesn't taste as sweet as Nutrasweet or Sweet and Low to me.
   — John M.

March 6, 2001
I have used splenda twice, once in a recipe and once over plain corn flakes, and have not dumped. But I did sweat, I did have the shakes and was weak also. I threw the entire box away. That has been the worst experience since the gas after my surgery :-)
   — Angelia W.