According to findings published in January edition of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, an artificial sweetener, Splenda, has an association with leukemia. The study was led by Italian researchers.

The researchers found after taking high amount of sucralose, another name for Splenda, for lifetime, there were increased cases of malignant tumors and hematopoietic neoplasias in males. They said sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose and used in over 4,500 products. The artificial sweetener is made by chemically reacting sugar (sucrose) with chlorine, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Food and drug administration has set acceptable daily intake for sucralose in children at 5 mg/kg. The CSPI said a 6-year-old child weighing 45 pounds would exceed that limit by drinking two or three 12-ounce sodas containing the typical 40-60 mg of sucralose per can.

Splenda is commonly used alternative for sugar, is linked to developing leukemia and tumors by researchers of this latest study. They came to their findings after experimenting on Swiss mice. They tested Splenda on five groups of male and five groups of female mice. The mice then were given different amount of sucralose. Alongside that mice were also treated and monitored.

After 12 days, researchers found significant rise in malignant tumors along with an increase in hematopoietic neoplasias in male mice. Scientist community has criticized the findings despite that the results were very alarming.

It is recommended by some scientists that follow up studies should be conducted. More research into area seems to reduce reliance on sugar alternatives to remain healthy. Besides, there are other natural sources available for people to obtain sugar.