Does Splenda Cause Weight Gain, Block Drug Absorption?

Will Splenda join aspartame on the list of engineered health hazards added to our food supply? Any food described as "artificial" should probably be viewed with suspicion, but the study was financed by the Sugar Association.

New ammunition has been added to the battle that is pitting a leading artificial sweetener against sugar, leading the two sides to claim fresh grievances.

The latest salvo comes from Duke University researchers, who have published a study that says Splenda — the grainy white crystals in the little yellow packets — contributes to obesity, destroys “good” intestinal bacteria and prevents prescription drugs from being absorbed.

But the Duke study was financed by the Sugar Association, the lobbying group for the natural-sugar industry and a chief competitor to and legal adversary of Splenda. Read more