The Effect of Sucralose and Sodium Saccharin as Artificial Sweeteners on Some Biochemical Parameters in Male Albino Rats

Background: Artificial sweeteners have spread throughout diets, serving as essential components in various food and beverage products. Sucralose, one of the newest artificial sweeteners was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Saccharin is also a non-nutritive, non-caloric intense artificial sweetener.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to determine the effects of sucralose and sodium saccharin on some physiological parameters in male albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats weighing from 100 to 120 gm were used. The period of the experiment was 30 days. The animals were divided into three groups; Group 1: control, Group 2: rats received sucralose and Group 3: rats received sodium saccharin. The following parameters were processed: serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, serum creatinine, serum urea, protein and lipid profiles and hormonal levels (insulin, testosterone, serum T3 and T4). Data were analyzed by using a T-test and were performed using the Statistical Package (SPSS) program, version 20. The Bonferroni test was used as a method to compare significance between groups.

Results: There was an increase in ASAT and ALAT activities, serum creatinine and serum urea levels in group 2 and group 3, and lipid profile in the group that received sucralose (TC, HDL and LDL) and T3&T4 in the group that received saccharin as compared to the control group. Meanwhile, a drop in serum glucose, insulin, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio and triglycerides in group 2 and group 3, and lipid profile in the group received saccharin (TC, HDL and LDL) and T3&T4 in the group received sucralose was observed when compared to the control group. The impact of artificial sweeteners on human health is still a matter of doubtful dispute.

Conclusion: It can be mentioned that sucralose and sodium saccharin must be carefully used because they have very dangerous effects, especially sodium saccharin, and people have to replace them with natural sugar.