Crystal Light is a low calorie, powered drink mix. It comes in canisters and individual packets, in over 30 varieties. Most flavors have 5 calories per serving. Refreshing flavors, such as ice tea, raspberry and fruit punch, and enhanced flavors, such as pomegranate and green tea, have artificial sweeteners. Pure flavors, such as kiwi strawberry, mixed berry and grape contain 3 g of sugar plus artificial sweeteners. These flavors have 15 calories.
Artificial Sugars
Some flavors of Crystal Light contain aspartame, one of the most dangerous artificial sweeteners. Side effects of aspartame include headaches, anxiety, abdominal pain, nausea, heart palpitations and irritable bowel syndrome. Acesulfame potassium is another artificial sweetener used in some Crystal Light varieties. This sweetener contains methylene chloride, which is a known carcinogen. Therefore, long-term use of this carcinogen may cause cancer. Other side effects include nausea, headaches and impaired liver.
Acids
Crystal Light contains citric and ascorbic acids, both antioxidants. Citric acid is widely used and virtually safe. It is a natural product of many citrus fruits and berries. This acid is used to enhance flavor. Ascorbic acid is used to enhance flavor and color. It has Vitamin C and prevents the formation of nitrosamines, chemical compounds that may cause cancer.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in many foods that contain protein such as meat, chicken, pork, fish and eggs. It is needed by the body to produce essential brain chemicals, such as L-dopa, epinephrine and norepinephrine. However, the body does not produce it. Although aspartame is high in phenylalanine, phenylalanine is listed in addition to aspartame on Crystal Light's labels. Phenylalanine interacts with medications, such as anti-psychotic drugs. It is toxic in high doses and can cause nerve damage. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not take phenylalanine.
Artificial Colors
The most commonly used artificial color, red 40, is an ingredient in some Crystal Light flavors, such as Pink Lemonade. The artificial color, blue 1, is found in Raspberry Ice among other flavors. Crystal Light's Peach Iced Tea is one of several flavors that contain yellow 5, the second most commonly used artificial color. All these artificial colors can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Hyperactivity in children is also a potential side effect of these common ingredients.
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