Mention aspartame to anyone who has read up on this sweetener, and you're likely to get a heated reaction. It has been one of the most debated substances included in processed foods, beverages and drugs since it was approved by the FDA in a process that lasted from 1982 to 1983. Some sources claim it can be lethal. Others say it is perfectly safe, and consuming aspartame instead of sugar can be a powerful weight loss tool. The American Medical Association's Council of Scientific Affairs has deemed it to be safe.
Background
Aspartame was discovered in 1965 and approved for use in the United States nearly 20 years later. Since it was approved by the FDA, the website Healing Daily says that aspartame complaints have represented approximately 75 percent of the complaints filed with the association. Aspartame has been banned by the European Common Market from any children's products, but as of 2010, the United States and Canada have not taken any similar precautions.
Sources
Brand names for Aspartame include NutraSweet, Equal and NatraTaste, all tabletop sweeteners offered in little, single-serving packets. But it is also contained in over 9,000 other processed products, including children's vitamins, many toothpastes, Alka-Seltzer and Children's Tylenol. It is a component of virtually all diet soft drinks, and can also be found in chewing gum and sugar-free cough drops.
Properties
Aspartame is composed of three principal substances: phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol, also known as wood alcohol. The methanol is the part of the equation that comes under the most attack from those who believe the sweetener is dangerous, because the human body breaks it down into formaldehyde and formic acid. Healing Daily says that formaldehyde is a Class A carcinogen. However, the Aspartame Information Center points out that a glass of tomato juice contains six times more methanol as an identical amount of a diet soft drink.
Capabilities
According to Janet Starr Hull, Ph.D, CN, aspartame is capable of dissolving in the body. When it does, it can easily find its way into any human tissue, including the brain, muscles, the nervous system and fat deposits. When the body breaks the methanol down into formaldehyde, it can trespass into cells and will bind to DNA.
Results
Hull says that more than 92 adverse health reactions can result from the consumption of products containing aspartame, and some of them are quite serious. She cites vision problems, tinnitus, headaches and migraines, heart palpitations, diarrhea and itching without an accompanying rash as some of the more minor results of a diet containing high levels of aspartame. She also alleges that it can trigger or mimic some more serious diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. When formaldehyde binds to DNA, genetic changes can occur that have been associated with the production of cancerous cells.
Misconception
Aspartame is not the same as saccharin, although both are artificial sweeteners. If a product contains saccharin, it is not subject to the same warnings and dispute as products that use aspartame.
Advice
Check ingredients labels before you buy if you have any concerns about consuming aspartame. Be aware that some products, especially drugs containing the substance, only list this information on inserts found within the packaging. It's a good idea to check anyway, and ask your pharmacist for a substitute if you're uncomfortable with the aspartame ingredient.
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