High saccharine levels found in cake that led to Patiala girl’s death: All you need to know about this artificial sweetener

In a tragic incident that occurred in Patiala, Punjab earlier this month, a young girl passed away after she and her family ate a chocolate cake ordered online for her birthday. 

Shortly after consuming a cake from a local bakery, 10-year-old Manvi and her entire family fell ill. They reported that she was vomiting and struggled to breathe before she was taken to the hospital where she was declared dead shortly after. 

Officials investigating the case said that the cake contained a high amount of an artificial sweetener called saccharine, which can be harmful and sometimes fatal, when consumed in large quantities.

Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, senior consultant – Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Bariatric Surgery at Sparsh Hospital Bangalore, says, “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.”

In excessive amounts, he explains, saccharine and other artificial sweeteners may lead to headaches and, in severe cases, neurological symptoms such as mood alterations and dizziness.

He adds, “Although artificial sweeteners are often used to manage weight or diabetes, paradoxically, some studies suggest that long-term high consumption could disrupt metabolic processes, leading to increased weight gain and insulin resistance.”

Mechanisms of toxicity from high levels of sweeteners

Excessive consumption of saccharine can lead to toxicity, according to Dr Srinivasan, primarily affecting the liver and kidneys, where it is processed. In extremely high doses, it can cause acute liver and kidney dysfunction, potentially leading to metabolic acidosis, a dangerous condition where the blood becomes too acidic.

“Neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, or seizures could indicate severe toxicity,” says Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan (Source: Freepik)

“In the tragic case in Punjab, if the girl consumed a highly toxic level of saccharine, it could have led to acute physiological disturbances such as severe electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, and possibly acute cardiovascular collapse,” he informs.

Warning signs of high sweetener intake

Dr Srinivasan says, “Symptoms of high intake of artificial sweeteners include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and unusual fatigue. Neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion, or seizures could indicate severe toxicity.”

Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms occur, especially after consuming large quantities of products known to contain artificial sweeteners.

Consumer precautions and regulatory measures

Consumers should carefully check ingredient labels and be wary of products that do not provide detailed ingredient information, especially when ordering from online platforms, Dr Srinivasan warns.

“Ensuring that food products are purchased from reputable sources with good manufacturing practices can reduce the risk of encountering excessively sweetened products.”

Regulatory agencies should enforce strict controls on the use of artificial sweeteners, he says,  ensuring that all food products comply with safe levels as determined by scientific studies. Regular inspections and testing of food products for compliance can help prevent future tragedies.

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