Guest Author - Lisa Angelettie M.S.W.

*Michelle is a mother of several young children and was ready to do something about the extra pounds of baby weight she was still carrying from her pregnancies. So she adopted a low carb and low calorie lifestyle that included the artificial sweetener Splenda™ --also known as sucralose. Soon after, for a few months, she felt very depressed.

During the period she was eating and drinking Splenda™, Michelle complained that she was having drastic mood swings and outbursts of crying that were affecting her normal routine. At the time, she attributed the breakdowns to motherhood and some financial problems--but then her mother told her about a possible connection between Splenda™ and depression.

Michelle decided to do some research and found that there were other examples of people who thought there was a connection between Splenda™ and depression, as well as medical doctors who supported these conclusions. Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of The Total Health Program states that Splenda™ not only causes depression but a myriad of other health problems in--The dangers of Splenda™

After reading more and speaking with her physician, Michelle decided to eliminate all Splenda™ from her diet and has since claimed that all her depression symptoms have subsided. She believes that there was a clear link between her use of Splenda™ and her period of depression, because the other stressors in her life are still present and she is feeling tremendously better.

McNeil Nutritionals, LLC Response:
In the interest of sharing factual information about SPLENDA® with your readers, we would like to take this opportunity to provide an overview of the extensive scientific information available on SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener or sucralose. Since its initial introduction over a decade ago, SPLENDA® has been safely enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. Over 100 scientific studies and numerous independent scientific experts have confirmed its safety. These studies have been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, which found sucralose to be safe for use by the general population. In fact, SPLENDA® is one of the most tested food ingredients ever introduced, gaining regulatory approval in more than 60 countries.

The FDA requires no warning labels or information statements that would preclude anyone from enjoying SPLENDA® products. This includes people with diabetes, pregnant and nursing mothers and children. SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener can be used by everyone in the family. SPLENDA® is now the leading brand of tabletop sweetener, as well as an ingredient in over 5000 products worldwide. Consumers should feel comfortable using products such as SPLENDA®, as it can aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight and good health.

If you would like to learn more about Splenda™ and its possible connection to depression and other health related problems, please visit:

1. http://www.mercola.com/2003/nov/8/splenda_dangers.htm

2. http://www.foodanddiet.com/NewFiles/splenda-story3.html

*The names in this case study have been changed to protect privacy

Lisa Angelettie M.S.W. is a psychotherapist and author on a variety of mind-body-money-relationship issues for women. You can also visit her at http://www.girlshrink.com