Earlier this month 10-year-old Manvi tragically died in Patiala after she ate a chocolate cake which was ordered online for her birthday from a local bakery.
According to a report by Indian Express, the investigators have revealed that the cake contained a huge amount of saccharine which is an artificial sweetener and that can be harmful if consumed by human and even be fatal if consumed in large amounts.
Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, senior consultant – Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Bariatric Surgery at Sparsh Hospital Bangalore, told Indian Express that high doses of artificial sweeteners like saccharine can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. These symptoms occur because certain artificial sweeteners can be osmotically active in the intestines, pulling water into the gut and causing diarrhoea.
Though saccharine, an artificial sweetener, has been deemed safe for human consumption when used within acceptable limits, there have been concerns about its safety, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Some studies have linked saccharin to cancer in laboratory rats, but subsequent research has not conclusively demonstrated a similar risk in humans.
As a precaution, regulatory bodies have set maximum daily intake limits for saccharine. Overall, when used in moderation, saccharine is considered safe for human consumption, but individuals should be mindful of their overall intake of artificial sweeteners and opt for moderation in their consumption.
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