Over a year ago, I started a low-carb diet. The diet recommended Splenda as the best choice for an artificial sweetener. Since the television promos touted it's "made from sugar" goodness (showing little children peeping over piles of fresh-baked cookies) I thought it was heaven-sent! Little did I know the hell I would go through before finding out the truth.

Thinking back, during the first few months of use, the only symptoms I experienced were occasional lightheadedness and ever-so-slight nausea. At the time, I was only using a Splenda-sweetened coffee flavoring and an occasional packet in iced tea at restaurants. As the low-carb craze grew, so did Splenda's popularity, availability in products, and my use. Other symptoms appeared, but I still made no connection: short term memory problems, inability to stay focused, a spaced-out feelin, difficulty finding words when speaking, and an ebb in energy. My husband became worried and I blamed it on my stressful schedule, but even I began to feel there might be something else going on.

During the next months, my cabinets continued to fill with Splenda products including the large bulk bags that are available at warehouse stores. Catsup, soda, dressing, sweet pickles, maple syrup, sweet relish, juices, candies, ice creams, and more... all sweetened with Splenda. And the symptoms continued.

Then I woke one morning with a neck so stiff I had to use my hands to stabilize it and lift it off the pillow. The joint pain continued, so I went to my doctor. She set up some tests, including some basic blood work. The x-rays were negative, but my blood work showing an elevation in ALT (liver) count. Nothing major, she said. Something to watch. A few neck exercises and a blood retest in six weeks.

My neck remained stiff and a few days later, new, more frightening symptoms appeared--pounding heart, shakiness, weakness in limbs, and a small vibrating sensation seemed to run through my body. I bordered on near loss of motor skills at times--limbs felt lifeless and "floppy." The only connection I started to make was the timing of these latest "attacks"--about an hour after eating.  I thought It might be caffeine, so I quit all coffee and tea (also the major source of my daily Splenda intake). The next day passed without any "attacks" until I drank two Splenda-sweetened sodas while working in my garden before dinner.  Within an hour, I became so weak and shaky I could do nothing else but sit in an armchair.  It was sitting in that chair that the light finally came on.

I raced to the computer and searched for Splenda info and found may sites including this one. After spending several hours reading about the horrors of this poison, I eliminated all Splenda from my diet and related products from my home. Within three days, I felt normal again and I had no more attacks or symtpoms. None. The fog lifted, shaking stopped, energy returned, and it was only then I realized I had been slowly poisoning myself.

I return to the doctor for my blood retest next week and will be curious to see if the liver count goes back to normal.  I will also relay my experience to her and report back.

Your website gave me back my life. Thank you."

Thank you M.W. for sharing your story with our visitors. We look forward to receiving an update on your condition and recovery.

On 19 September 2005, we received an update from M.W.:

"On August 6 ,2005, I submitted a story about my negative experience with Splenda.  I indicated that a blood test done DURING my Splenda use showed an elevated liver enzyme count (ALT). I believed it was connected to Splenda use, particularly after learning that others experienced the same thing.

I have since eliminated all Splenda and sucralose products from my diet and my home. I have recovered from my year-long Splenda poisoning. I am pleased to report that the subsequent blood test (post-Splenda) resulted in the elevated liver enzyme count returnig to normal!

I spoke to several of my doctors (gyn and internist) about the connection and backed up my suspicions with some information I had printed out. I received mixed reactions. One was really interested and one was skeptical. I have become a one-woman crusade with family and friends on this issue."

Thanks, again, M.W. for sharing your story with us and our visitors.

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