A new study out of Duke University published last week in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health suggests that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose may pose a number of health threats to people who consumer the product over time.

Among the problems the scientists observed in the rats they tested were a 50% reduction in the ‘good bacteria’ that play a role in immune health, weight gain and potential blocking of a number of drugs.

The news was alarming enough for James Turner, chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health to call for an FDA review of splenda’s safety.

Are you surprised that another chemical not recognized by the human body causes health problems? Don’t be. Remember, most food additives are recognized as safe until proven otherwise, so today is Splenda’s day, but it doesn’t mean that the other chemicals in your diet soda are safe and healthy. Stick with water, small amounts of natural sweeteners, and other whole, unadulterated food for best results.