The popular artificial sweetener Splenda may crash the immune system response, leaving the body more prone to infections.
Researchers at the UK Francis Crick Institute found in a study of mice that a super-strength dose of sucralose reduced levels of T-cells, which is a crucial part of how the body fights illness.
While this may initially seem like a bad thing, researchers are excited by the findings.Â
But, these cells are also responsible for destroying the pancreas in type 1 diabetes patients and dysfunction of them has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Finding ways to stop them could lead to a cure for both diseases.
The study comes amid growing – but still inconclusive – research showing artificial sweeteners may be harmful.Â
In a study of mice, researchers found that the sweetener sucralose could reduce immune function. They hope this can help treat auto-immune diseases in the future (file photo)
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