By Rabbi Yair Hoffman
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With millions of people using artificial sweeteners daily, a recent University of Colorado Boulder study has revealed serious health concerns about erythritol that require immediate halachic attention. This research demonstrates that certain Splenda products containing erythritol may significantly increase stroke risk, creating multiple Mitzvah obligations for observant Jews.
Six Mitzvos Involved in Health Safety
There are six distinct Mitzvos that apply to avoiding dangerous food additives like erythritol:
First, there is the Mitzvah of “veNishmartem me’od b’nafshosaichem” (Dvarim 4:9) – the fundamental obligation of protecting our health and well-being.
Second, the verse “Rak hishamer lecha” (Dvarim 4:15) is understood by most Poskim to comprise an actual second Mitzvah (See Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l Shaar HaTeshuvos #25) – to take special care of ourselves.
Third, there is the Mitzvah of “V’Chai Bahem – And you shall live by them” (VaYikra 18:5), which obligates us to choose life-preserving actions.
Fourth, the Mitzvah found in “vahashaivoso lo – and you shall return it to him” (Dvarim 22:2). The Gemorah in Sanhedrin (73a) includes within this the obligation of returning “his own life to him as well” – the Mitzvah of saving someone’s life, referenced in Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 325.
Fifth, “Lo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha” – the negative Mitzvah of not standing idly by your brother’s blood (Shulchan Aruch CM 426:1). This includes protecting yourself, your spouse, and children from preventable harm.
Sixth, “Lo Suchal l’hisalaym” – the negative commandment of “You cannot shut your eyes to it” (Dvarim 22:3), which prohibits ignoring known dangers.
The Erythritol Danger: What the Science Shows
Immediate Cellular Damage
The University of Colorado study exposed human brain blood vessel cells to erythritol for just three hours – equivalent to consuming one sugar-free drink. The results were alarming:
- Oxidative stress increased dramatically, flooding cells with harmful free radicals
- Nitric oxide production dropped by 20%, reducing blood vessels’ ability to relax
- Endothelin-1 increased by 30%, causing blood vessels to constrict
- Clot-dissolving mechanisms completely shut down, eliminating the body’s natural stroke prevention
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Real-World Stroke Risk
A separate study tracking over 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe found that those with high blood erythritol levels experienced significantly more strokes and heart attacks within three years, regardless of other health factors.
Professor Christopher DeSouza, who led the study, stated: “Our study adds to the evidence suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners that have generally been purported to be safe, may not come without negative health consequences.”
Which Splenda Products Are Dangerous
The key identifying factor is packaging color and product type:
Dangerous Splenda Products (Containing Erythritol)
These products come in purple or brown packaging and should be avoided:
- Splenda Monk Fruit Jar (purple packaging)
- Splenda Stevia Jar (purple packaging)
- Splenda Magic Baker (brown packaging)
- Splenda Magic Baker Brown (brown packaging)
- Splenda Coffee Creamers (various packaging)
Safe Splenda Products (No Erythritol)
These products come in yellow packaging and have no studies showing danger:
- Splenda Original Packets (yellow)
- Splenda Original Pouch (yellow)
- Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (yellow)
- Splenda Sugar Blend (yellow)
- Splenda Stevia Packets (yellow)
- Splenda Stevia Pouch (yellow)
- Splenda Monk Fruit Packets (yellow)
- Splenda Monk Fruit Pouch (yellow)
- Splenda Liquid Sweeteners
- Splenda Liquid Water Enhancers
- Splenda Peel & Pour
- Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes
- Splenda Sweet Teas
Halachic Implications and Practical Guidelines
Immediate Action Required
Given the scientific evidence and the six Mitzvos involved, it is prudent and likely that we should:
- Immediately discontinue use of purple and brown packaged Splenda products containing erythritol
- Check ingredient labels carefully, as erythritol may be listed under different names
- Inform family members about these dangers, fulfilling the Mitzvah of “Lo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha”
- Consult healthcare providers about safer alternatives. The regular yellow Splenda seems to be okay.
The Mitzvah of Public Warning
The obligation of “Lo Suchal l’hisalaym” requires us not to ignore this information. When we know of a danger that affects our community, we cannot remain silent.
Conclusion
The University of Colorado research provides clear evidence that erythritol-containing Splenda products pose significant stroke risks through multiple biological mechanisms. With six distinct Mitzvos obligating us to protect our health and the health of others, the halachic response is clear: avoid the dangerous purple and brown packaged products while, if you wish, continuing to use the safe yellow packaged alternatives.
Remember that no study has demonstrated dangers with the traditional yellow-packaged Splenda products. The risk appears specifically linked to erythritol, which is found only in the newer colored (purple and brown) packaged varieties.
Consult your physician or registered dietitian for personalized recommendations, as well as your own Rav or Posaik and always prioritize the Mitzvah of preserving life – your own and others.
The author can be reached at [email protected]
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