Aspartame and Splenda are artificial sweeteners. Manufacturers produce aspartame from the natural amino acids L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. Splenda is the commercial name of a sucralose-based sweetener. Although both sweeteners have received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration, there are several side effects associated with the use of both aspartame and Splenda.
Aspartame's Controversy
Many of aspartame's side effects result from the substances produced when your body metabolizes this sweetener. These substances include phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol. Individuals with phenylketonuria cannot process phenylalanine. Additionally, methanol can convert into formaldehyde in your body and damage both your immune and nervous systems.
Aspartame's Side Effects
According to "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health," consumption of aspartame may lead to brain and spinal cord tumors. Additionally, aspartame may contribute to multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, loss of memory, deafness, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, headache, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, fatigue and blindness. Clinical scientific research, however, does not support the claim that aspartame causes these side effects. Further, the FDA does not require a warning label on aspartame products or recognize these purported side effects.
Sucralose's Side Effects
According to "Splenda Is It Safe or Not," Splenda may adversely affect your immune system. Additionally, Splenda may retard placental fetal development in pregnant women. Further studies, however, are required to confirm these potential adverse effects of using Splenda. Again, the FDA does not recognize these purported side effects or require any warning labels on Splenda packaging.
Testimonies of Sucralose's Side Effects
According to "Empty Pleasures: The Story of Artificial Sweeteners from Saccharin to Splenda," other reported side effects resulting from the use of Splenda include blurred vision, water retention, hypotension, headaches, bloated abdomen, rashes, muscle pain, weakness, joint pain and a burning sensation on the neck. Further purported side effects include seizures, an upset stomach, diarrhea, cramping, gas, shortness of breath, hives, loss of appetite, loss of weight and anaphylactic shock.
References
- "Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health"; Joseph Mercola and Kendra Degen Pearsall; 2006
- "Empty Pleasures: The Story of Artificial Sweeteners From Saccharin to Splenda"; Carolyn de la Pena; 2010
- "Splenda Is It Safe or Not?"; Dr. Janet Starr Hull; 2005
- "What's In Your Food?: The Truth About Additives From Aspartame to Xanthan Gum"; Bill Statham; 2007
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