Why is Splenda OK and Aspartame Isn't?

[jennifer ^v^]

Hi Everyone:

I apologize in advance if this topic has been previously addressed in another thread; I've spent a lot of time going over threads on both aspartame and Splenda, and haven't yet found an answer (but I'm prone to overlooking things--so if you do know of something, please send it my way!).

I've read the DANDR several times now, as well as other books on the subject of low carbs in search of a solution to several insulin problems I've been having. In the process, I've decided on doing the Atkins diet, as it just seems like the best one for me. However, I've noticed that aspartame is not to be used during the diet, for reasons varying from stalling weight loss to it being unhealthy. I don't understand, though, why Splenda is allowed on the diet and aspartame isn't. Couldn't Splenda also stall diets in the same manner as aspartame? I'm a bit confused.

Before I begin the task of digging through journal articles to see if I can figure this out, I wanted to ask here first just in case someone could save me a few hours of researching.

Thank you so much in advance to anyone who can shed light on this area.

Jennifer

[stephbob]

I know that aspartame can, and often does stall weight loss, as does caffeine. I don't know about Splenda, however. Although I've seen it in various recipes, I have eliminated sweet foods from my diet entirely, so I dont use it.

I personally don't believe in it, and for that reason, I dont know much about that particular item.

[gabriellek19]

I think also they siad in the book something about aspartame spiking your blood sugar where as splenda does not. I totally notice a difference in the two.

[low_carb_babe]

From what I have read from Dr. Atkins and other sites you can get stalled by to much of any sweetener plus it can cause binge eating. (Like giving an alcoholic one sip of alcohol, same with people addicted to sweet stuff. Some can handle it others can't!) He did mention that it depends on the person how sweetener affects them.

Now Aspartame. There are no conclusive studies that can say weather over the long term it's safe or not. Really most studies have come out with a negative outcome. I think Dr. A is just siding with caution about possible health risks in the substitutes.(I believe there was a time he didn't endorse saccharin at all because the FDA noted it as a carcinogen) Sucralose is made from sugar and probably the most naturally safe sweetener. That's my thinking about why he endorses it so highly.


I myself try avoiding sweeteners all together. I'm one of those people that use sugar as a crutch and the less I'm exposed to it the better I do. Just my two cents as much as it's worth hoped this helps!

[jennifer ^v^]

Thanks for your replies, everyone!

[Coach33]

I have a question about start up.. I am looking to loose weight and get leaner. I have tried this before but the main problem was the fact that while I was working out I found that I was looking muscle as well as fat... I do not want to lose too much size so how do I combat the loss of muscle tissue?? PLEASE HELP!!!

[low_carb_babe]

Protein is very important to maintain muscle mass this I know for a fact. As for the maintaining muscle and losing fat that will depend on your exercise regamine. How your body shapes will depend on how your body is fueling itself and what muscle fibers you are working. The higher the impact the less fat is burned but the bulk of muscles increase. Lower the impact and more fat is burned but muscle mass decreases as well. The best way is to find a very well balanced routine. I've seen people use strength training Etc. to help tone and define muscle mass. (Usually involves short bursts of high impact training) and the other is a cardio or aerobic program (usually longer workout at lower impact). I don't know how much weight you need to lose but if it were significant I would start by breaking your body down by eliminating as much fat as possible before worrying about muscle. (Bulking up muscle under fat tends to make a person look fatter) What it comes down to is identifying your problem areas and going from there. I would suggest going to the gym and talking with a personal trainer to get a better idea about how to maximize your workouts. They can be pretty inexpensive for a consultation only. I don't know if this is what you wanted to know but I hope I helped a little.

[Coach33]

It helped a great deal!! Now I am in the start up phase.. In the 2 week first level what is the amount I have to stay under each day? If I remember the book correct it is 20 grams?? I love this site and am a newbie to it! How do I get my goals, a picture etc on here like everyone else??

[boonie stomper]

Originally Posted by Coach33

It helped a great deal!! Now I am in the start up phase.. In the 2 week first level what is the amount I have to stay under each day? If I remember the book correct it is 20 grams?? I love this site and am a newbie to it! How do I get my goals, a picture etc on here like everyone else??

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=79 (or, click FAQ from the top toolbar) and you'll find answers in stickys.

On the subject of sweeteners, I've found that sucralose tastes best, saccharin goes further (less can be used), and I don't like aspartame.

[jennifer ^v^]

Gah!

I decided to just go ahead and start using resources like Google Scholar to see if I could find anything. That was a bit fruitless after a point, as the studies that have compared Splenda to aspartame in reference to ketogenic diets were extremely hard to find. I did find some information concerning the glycemic index of maltodextrin (what the granulated Splenda is mixed with not sure if it's the same for the Splenda in the packets, but at least for the big sack I have).

From the Google searches I've done (I could find an amount on glycemicindex.com), maltodextrin comes up as having a glycemic index ranging from 95 to over 105.

I did find several sources, though, like here http://www.telusplanet.net/public/dgarneau/health3h.htm , that supported what I figured out when I pulled out my calculator--that the amount of maltodextrin in Splenda is so small (when small amounts are used) that it's unlikely to have an impact on blood sugar. But still, I wanted to share what I found so far.

Again, if anyone has any info about this area at all, please share it!