África González-Fernández
Professor of Immunology at the University of Vigo, researcher at the Galicia Sur Research Institute (IIS-GS) and member of the RAFG
The study has to be considered with great caution. I notice several elements that I think should be taken into account.
The title is misleading, as it implies that sucralose has negative effects on the T-cell immune response, when what has been studied are very high doses—much higher than those of a typical human diet.
We should keep in mind that the animals in the study did not show any alteration in their immune components, and most of the findings were in in vitro cells cultures.
On the other hand, I find that the article lacks studies of the immune response against pathogens such as viruses, for example, where the cellular immune response is essential - together with that of B lymphocytes, which differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells. Instead, the authors have focused on tumour and autoimmunity models.
They have not determined potential mechanisms underlying this specific effect on T-cells and their cell membranes. This is an avenue worth exploring.
The novelty that this study brings is very debatable, considering that the study design uses much higher doses than those of a normal human diet, so the practical implications in terms of the human diet are very limited. Everything, absolutely everything, can be toxic in certain doses. The results obtained with such high doses show an exclusive effect on T-cells in specific animal models, with a decrease in the anti-tumoral response and a potentially beneficial effect on autoimmunity (the researchers tested a model of diabetes).
The study therefore has many limitations. On the one hand, the dose used, which is not physiological; the fact that it is an animal model (mouse); the time of administration, and the fact that the tests are in vitro.
I believe that these data should be taken with great caution and not be extrapolated directly to what might happen in humans. There are hundreds of studies carried out with this substance and, except for changes in the microbiota, it has not been shown to cause any problems for human health. It is safe, non-carcinogenic and does not affect the immune system.
Considero que estos datos deben tomarse con mucha cautela y no hacer una extrapolación directa a lo que podría ocurrir en humanos. Hay cientos de estudios llevados a cabo con este agente y, excepto cambios en la microbiota, no se ha demostrado que tenga problemas para la salud humana. Es seguro, no carcinogénico y no afecta al sistema inmunitario.