About two and a half years ago, I weighed over 320 pounds. Even at 6'3", that is obese.  By drastically reducing my fat intake and implementing an exercise program, I dropped to 223 pounds. After a year, I have maintained that and feel great. Part of my dietary change was switching from sugar to Splenda.

At first, I did experience some abdominal bloating. However, I had also started eating products that have Olestra in them and that, too, can cause symptoms. Plus, I started eating huge amounts of fruit daily which ALSO leads to symptoms like that. So, I cannot say that Splenda caused any problems.

I still use Splenda every day in mixed drinks and on my cereal. For the amount of it I use, I should be given stock in the company. I feel great. I no longer have the bloating, so either my body has adjusted to my new diet or I have somehow magically become immune to Splenda's effects. Every time I shop, I select foods and products that use Splenda over the others.

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Anyways, I just wanted to send in my own experience with Splenda. My experience hasn't been 100% scientific either. But I would suggest that until you have done your own long term testing that can argue against those done by the manufacturer, most of your site's information is theory or complete coincidence and is misleading to folks. Some folks may be ignoring significant health issues because they have found a place to easily lay blame."

Thank you D.Z. for sharing your story with our visitors.

Editor's Note: Part of this story was omitted as it was two more paragraphs of warning about posting anectodal evidence as it relates to possible side effects from Splenda. As Food and Diet has taken every precaution against influencing people without providing full information and additional resources, and as our Editors personally respond to every e-mail and urge people routinely to seek medical care, the omitted paragraphs do not add any useful information to the site. It is our policy to print every letter, regardless of its positive or negative slant. However, Food and Diet always reserves the right to edit for content, clarity, and relevance (as clearly stated on our website). Thank you.

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