The influence of sucralose on thyroid gland function

Abstract

Background. Recently, an increasing number of scientific studies have reported on the adverse effects of sweeteners on the body. The aim of this work was to study the effect of sucralose on the production of thyroid hormones. Material and methods. The study involved 30 women (average age 24.5±5.2 years) who considered themselves to be healthy. Blood levels of free and total triiodothyronine, free and total thyroxine, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone were determined. The women were then prescribed sucralose for a month, taken daily at a dose of 15 mg/kg. At the end of this period, levels of thyroid hormones were measured again. Results. After the sucralose regimen, free and total triiodothyronine and total thyroxine were found to be 2.0, 1.58 and 1.46 times lower, respectively, than before sucralose intake (P<0.001). Conclusions. Given that sucralose affects the production of thyroid hormones, it can be concluded that sucralose is not a biologically inert compound.