Although Splenda has been promoted as a healthier alternative to refined white sugar, a recent study conducted in Italy linked the artificial sweetener to higher risk for leukemia.
Scientists found Splenda significantly increased the risk for leukemia, as well as other cancers, research that is in line with other studies in recent years.
Splenda, or sucralose, was introduced in 1999 as an alternative to other artificial sweeteners shown to cause health issues, as well as to sugar, which is linked to increased risk for many conditions. Most studies, including those done by the sweetener's manufacturer, have not shown it can cause cancer.
In 2013, food advocates downgraded Splenda from "safe" to "caution" because of a previous study conducted at the Ramazzini Institute, which also conducted the new one.