CSPI comments on FDA draft guidance re: Declaration of allulose

Allulose is a sugar substitute that appears to result in only negligible increases in blood glucose or insulin levels and has fewer calories than sugar because it is poorly absorbed. CSPI therefore supports FDA’s intention to exclude allulose from the amount declared in the total and added sugar declarations, and to use 0.4 calories per gram of allulose when calculating the calories from allulose in a serving of product. However, it is precisely because allulose is poorly absorbed that we are concerned about its potential adverse effects, such as nausea, bloating, headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. We propose that the Agency consider a warning label and additional studies to ensure the safe use of allulose.