{"id":78154,"date":"2025-07-20T14:05:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-20T14:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/78154\/"},"modified":"2025-07-20T14:05:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-20T14:05:09","slug":"dangerous-splenda-products-a-halachic-analysis-of-erythritol-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/78154\/","title":{"rendered":"Dangerous Splenda Products: A Halachic Analysis of Erythritol Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/images.png\" data-caption=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" class=\"entry-thumb td-modal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/images.png\"   alt=\"\" title=\"images\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">By Rabbi Yair Hoffman<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"whatsapp-promotion-mobile\">&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/vinnews.com\/2020\/01\/07\/vin-whatsapp\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t&#13;<br \/>\n\t\tJoin our WhatsApp group<\/a>&#13;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vinnews.com\/subscribe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t&#13;<br \/>\n\t\tSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email<\/a>&#13;\n<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Six Mitzvos Involved in Health Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">There are six distinct Mitzvos that apply to avoiding dangerous food additives like erythritol:<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>First<\/strong>, there is the Mitzvah of \u201cveNishmartem me\u2019od b\u2019nafshosaichem\u201d (Dvarim 4:9) \u2013 the fundamental obligation of protecting our health and well-being.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Second<\/strong>, the verse \u201cRak hishamer lecha\u201d (Dvarim 4:15) is understood by most Poskim to comprise an actual second Mitzvah (See Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt\u201dl Shaar HaTeshuvos #25) \u2013 to take special care of ourselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Third<\/strong>, there is the Mitzvah of \u201cV\u2019Chai Bahem \u2013 And you shall live by them\u201d (VaYikra 18:5), which obligates us to choose life-preserving actions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Fourth<\/strong>, the Mitzvah found in \u201cvahashaivoso lo \u2013 and you shall return it to him\u201d (Dvarim 22:2). The Gemorah in Sanhedrin (73a) includes within this the obligation of returning \u201chis own life to him as well\u201d \u2013 the Mitzvah of saving someone\u2019s life, referenced in Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 325.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Fifth<\/strong>, \u201cLo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha\u201d \u2013 the negative Mitzvah of not standing idly by your brother\u2019s blood (Shulchan Aruch CM 426:1). This includes protecting yourself, your spouse, and children from preventable harm.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Sixth<\/strong>, \u201cLo Suchal l\u2019hisalaym\u201d \u2013 the negative commandment of \u201cYou cannot shut your eyes to it\u201d (Dvarim 22:3), which prohibits ignoring known dangers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Erythritol Danger: What the Science Shows<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Immediate Cellular Damage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The University of Colorado study exposed human brain blood vessel cells to erythritol for just three hours \u2013 equivalent to consuming one sugar-free drink. The results were alarming:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Oxidative stress increased dramatically<\/strong>, flooding cells with harmful free radicals<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Nitric oxide production dropped by 20%<\/strong>, reducing blood vessels\u2019 ability to relax<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Endothelin-1 increased by 30%<\/strong>, causing blood vessels to constrict<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Clot-dissolving mechanisms completely shut down<\/strong>, eliminating the body\u2019s natural stroke prevention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>PLEASE NOTE:\u00a0 RABBI HOFFMAN PROVIDES FUNDS FOR 17 SINGLE MOTHERS (or at least tries to) WHO ARE NO LONGER RECIPIENTS OF A FUND THAT HELPED THEM AND THEY DESPERATELY NEED ASSISTANCE.\u00a0 THEY RECEIVE $300 PER MONTH THROUGH THIS. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO ASSIST IN THIS (tax deductible) EFFORT PLEASE CLICK BELOW: WHATEVER YOU GIVE HELPS!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/shulspace.org\/yeshiva-of-kings-bay\/donationForm?CN=1489\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/shulspace.org\/yeshiva-of-kings-bay\/donationForm?CN=1489<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Real-World Stroke Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Professor Christopher DeSouza, who led the study, stated: \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Which Splenda Products Are Dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>The key identifying factor is packaging color and product type:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dangerous Splenda Products (Containing Erythritol)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">These products come in <strong>purple or brown packaging<\/strong> and should be avoided:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Monk Fruit Jar (purple packaging)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Stevia Jar (purple packaging)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Magic Baker (brown packaging)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Magic Baker Brown (brown packaging)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Coffee Creamers (various packaging)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Safe Splenda Products (No Erythritol)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">These products come in <strong>yellow packaging<\/strong> and have no studies showing danger:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Original Packets (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Original Pouch (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Sugar Blend (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Stevia Packets (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Stevia Pouch (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Monk Fruit Packets (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Monk Fruit Pouch (yellow)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Liquid Sweeteners<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Liquid Water Enhancers<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Peel &amp; Pour<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Splenda Sweet Teas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Halachic Implications and Practical Guidelines<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Immediate Action Required<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Given the scientific evidence and the six Mitzvos involved, it is prudent and likely that we should:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Immediately discontinue<\/strong> use of purple and brown packaged Splenda products containing erythritol<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Check ingredient labels<\/strong> carefully, as erythritol may be listed under different names<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Inform family members<\/strong> about these dangers, fulfilling the Mitzvah of \u201cLo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha\u201d<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Consult healthcare providers<\/strong> about safer alternatives.\u00a0 The regular yellow Splenda seems to be okay.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>The Mitzvah of Public Warning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The obligation of \u201cLo Suchal l\u2019hisalaym\u201d requires us not to ignore this information. When we know of a danger that affects our community, we cannot remain silent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>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 \u2013 your own and others.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">The author can be reached at <a class=\"underline\" href=\"http:\/\/vinnews.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#7a031b130812151c1c171b14483a1d171b131654191517\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">[email\u00a0protected]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Rabbi Yair Hoffman &#13; &#13; &#13; &#13; Join our WhatsApp group&#13; &#13; &#13; Subscribe to our Daily&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":78155,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[210,1182,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-78154","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-united-states","11":"tag-unitedstates","12":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114885946406995722","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}