Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that replaces sugar in many foods. According to the Aspartame Information Center, aspartame is used globally by 200 million people. It can be found in more than 6,000 products. Examples include soft drinks, desserts, yogurt and sweeteners. NutraSweet and Equal are made from aspartame.
The safety of artificial sweeteners has caused controversy over the years as they have been linked to cancer and other illnesses.
Identification
According to "Personal Nutrition," aspartame has been used in the U.S. and Canada since 1981. It's classified as a nonnutritive sweetener. It's made of phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says an intake of 50 milligrams of aspartame per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day is acceptable. Aspartame levels in a 12 ounce can of diet soda are close to 225 milligrams. One packet of Equal provides 35 milligrams of aspartame.
Considerations
The Food and Drug Administration considers the use of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners safe except for use by people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder. Sufferers must avoid phenylalanine to prevent illness.
Warning
Side effects of aspartame include headaches, weight gain, rashes, fatigue, irritability, heart palpitations, dizziness, insomnia and seizures. Birth defects and cancers have also been linked to aspartame, but the National Cancer Institute refutes this information. NCI cites a study done in 2006 as showing no association between aspartame consumption and risk of certain cancers.
Misconceptions
Some people prefer using aspartame despite its dangers. They're under the impression that eating foods with artificial sweeteners are better for them than eating foods with real sugar. In Jillian Michaels' book "Master Your Metabolism," she says aspartame is an excitotoxin that can cause damage to the appetite center of the brain. Excitotoxins can lead to the death of neural cells.
Aspartame Detox
Holistic health practitioners are against aspartame use and recommend aspartame detoxification.
References
- Aspartame Information Center
- Personal Nutrition: Marie A. Boyle and Sara Long; 2007
- National Cancer institute
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