Aspartame is a flavor enhancer and artificial sweetener sold under several brand names, including NutraSweet, Equal and NatraTaste. Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, and you will find this sweetener in many manufactured, low-calorie food and drinks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved aspartame for use as a food additive in 1981. However, the debate about the safety of aspartame continues, and the sweetener has several proven and unproven adverse side effects associated with its use.
Names, Composition and Digestion
Pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers have marketed aspartame under several brand names including Equal, NutraSweet, Equal-Measure and NatraTaste. Aspartame consists of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. You can find this artificial sweetener in many diet or low-calorie foods and beverages, and you can also purchase aspartame on its own to use as a sweetener. Aspartame is also a nonnutritive, which means it does not add anything new or extra to your diet, nor does it provide any nutritional benefits.
Carcinogen Dangers and PKU
According to authors Joseph Mercola and Kendra Degen Pearsall in their book, "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health," aspartame may have carcinogenic properties. However, clinical research has never confirmed that aspartame causes cancer in humans. Additionally, aspartame may cause phenylketonuria, a condition where you do not produce the enzymes needed to break down phenylalanine. In your body, aspartame breaks down and becomes the amino acid phenylalanine. Therefore, if you have PKU, you could unconsciously impair your mental function by consuming aspartame.
Headaches and Weight Gain
According to author H. J. Roberts in "Aspartame: Is it Safe?" aspartame can also cause headaches. These headaches are an allergic to aspartame. In addition, this artificial sweetener may trigger the onset of migraines if you are prone to having migraine headaches. Further, aspartame can also lead to weight gain for some people, claims Roberts. Aspartame's extreme sweetness may cause you to experience increased cravings for sweet foods and beverages, which could lead to weight gain if you eat more food as a result of the cravings.
Aspartame Advantages
Despite the dangers and side effects associated with aspartame, the sweetener also has several benefits. Aspartame is an effective alternative to sugar if you´re on a diet. Aspartame does not contain any fat, calories or sugar. Diabetics can safely consume aspartame. Aspartame also enhances the flavors of fruits and does not cause tooth decay.
References
- Elmhurst College: Aspartame -- NutraSweet, Equal
- "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health"; Joseph Mercola and Kendra Degen Pearsall; 2006
- "What's In Your Food?: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum"; Bill Statham; 2007
- "Aspartame (NutraSweet): Is it Safe?" H. J. Roberts; 1992
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