Sucrolose

[Gilli54]

Just wondered if anybody had experienced any problems with the tiny one-a-day Benecol ‘drinks’ containing sucrolose.

I hadn’t realised they contained this artificial sweetener.

Research suggested it’s not so good for anybody and can cause problems for people with AF.

I avoid items containing artificial sweeteners anyway.

But I hate waste as well. So I thought I could perhaps use the six I bought, then just stick to the yogurts which don’t contain a sweetener.

Would appreciate any comments on this if anyone can help.

Thank you.

☺️

[President2012]

I take Benecol every day with no ill effects

[Gilli54 in reply to President2012]

that’s good to know. Thank you. 😊

[LankyCoachMan]

medicalnewstoday.com/articl... hope this helps Gilli54

[Gilli54 in reply to LankyCoachMan]

Yes. That’s is helpful. Thank you. 😊

[Carew]

When I was at school, which is an enormous number of years ago, I noticed that saccharin had an effect on my heart rate. Since when, I have usually avoided it.

However, occasionally I'd inadvertently have something like a tonic water (as driver in a pub) but only later feel an effect. And check. At least a couple of times, the manufacturer had changed the recipe since last I had checked.

So I became more careful and avoided most artificial sweeteners thereafter. Again, the odd mistake, and sometimes a medicine contains them - which makes them more difficult to avoid.

I have never knowingly consumed Sucralose.

In your position, I think I might use them up. The deep problem seems to be when we consume them either in large quantity, or continually.

[Gilli54 in reply to Carew]

Thank you That’s a really useful answer. I appreciate your reply. 😊

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Gilli54

Sadly sucralose is an artificial sweetener. I avoid them like the plague as they're a sure trigger for AF with me. I always look at the contents before I buy anything I'm going to consume these days.

I really wish I'd know about this before having my three ablations. I was putting artificial sweeteners in my tea, they were in the yogurts I ate, lemonade I drank and chewing gum I had after lunch at work. My poor body was being truly bombarded with them. There was me thinking I was being healthy avoiding sugar, years ago we were led to believe that sweeteners were the better option!

Jean

[Gilli54 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I’ve fortunately always been careful about sweeteners and never buy products that contain them. Foolishly, I thought with Benecol being a ‘healthy’ item it wouldn’t have them. It said no added sugars. Should have been a red flag!! So I now buy the yogurts which gave a small amount of sugar but no sweeteners I researched sweeteners when our boys were little and decided a small amount of sugar and good dental hygiene be better than those. They had a very bad rep in the 80s and 90s. Of course, I thought diluted fruit juice was ok too - my granddaughter only drinks water or milk. And her parents limit sugary foods but without labelling them rewards or treats, so it’s just another type of food that is available on this occasion.

Food advice changes so much it is easy to be confused.

I just try moderation in everything nowadays. I can understand your frustration though. Glad you have been able to find this out with your own research and improve your health overall. It’s a constant journey for us all.

Thank you for your reply Jeannie. 😊💕

[needlestone]

my heart trouble all started because of a daily drink I had that contained sucralose. I avoid it like the plague. Even after ablation in 2016, if I have any, it is bad news for my heart. We are all different, but this ingredient is a problem for heart rhythm.

[Gilli54 in reply to needlestone]

That’s my understanding too. But I hoped it might just be such a small amount in a tiny drink I might risk it!! 🤔

[Sweevil]

So you have finally confirmed what I’ve been saying for years. I have been telling folks that Splenda was not a good thing for me and neither aspertaine/Equal. I would have problems with bloating and stomach issues and joint issues. I have heard of people who thought they had severe arthritis in their joints who drink diet drinks daily, giving them up and having those symptoms disappear. Artificial sugar is not good for any of us so I try to avoid it; at least sugar is natural so I generally lean toward that. I do like Stevia and even have a plant in my herb garden. I’m now hearing that perhaps that’s not so good either. I had hoped that would be better than the other artificial sweeteners. Now I’m wondering if my heart was affected when I was using Splenda. I just remembered being away at a retreat and drinking that exclusively in my coffee and tea and becoming so bloated. I looked six months pregnant and my knees were hurting. Also, there are hidden sugar alcohols in lots of supposedly healthy protein bars, and things. Those really mess up my stomach, so I have to watch out for them since there is a connection. Good luck in making good choices.

[Gilli54 in reply to Sweevil]

That sounds like a whole lot of associated problems. No wonder you avoid them!!

[JaneFinn]

Hi Gilli, I used to have one a day of these before I was diagnosed with AF, and in my memory, this was the time my heart arrhythmia (lots of ectopics and little flutters of tachycardia and svt) started hotting up. Aspartame definitely had this effect on me, and I had cut this out entirely, but stupidly didn’t realise sucralose was an artificial sweetener too.

I think different people have different levels of sensitivity or tolerance, so you may be fine finishing yours up. Personally, I wouldn’t risk having one now, even though they are as you say tiny! I actually gave my last pack away when I realised, so no waste - though I wasn’t happy at the waste of money! If they have enough use-by date on, maybe you could have one on alternate days with the yoghurts in between, making the cumulative amount in your body even less? Jx

[Gilli54 in reply to JaneFinn]

That’s a really good idea. It sounds like it did have an effect. I think I’ll be cautious though and find a new home for mine. I think there’s enough anecdotal evidence to err on the side of caution!!

[JaneFinn in reply to Gilli54]

I’d do the same! Better safe than sorry x