Is Aspartame Bad For You?

Aspartame is a sugar substitute that was discovered accidentally from aspartic acid. Now, it has become a permanent ingredient in diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, and other such products. It also goes under the brand name of several products that are famous as artificial sweeteners. Many consumers use this product as an alternative to sugar, particularly those who are diabetic or are trying to lose weight. Ever since aspartame was approved as a sugar substitute by the USFDA in the year 1974, there are several debates that question if aspartame is bad for you or safe to be consumed. Here, we take a look at both sides of the coin.

The Effects of Aspartame

A lot of people have had different reactions upon consuming products containing aspartame, which has led to a detailed study into the various dangers of aspartame. Based on these reactions, a lot of studies have been conducted to understand the effects of this artificial sweetener, and various experts have reached different conclusions. These theories and conclusions include the following:

• While aspartame itself does not increase your caloric intake, it induces further food and sugar cravings, and thereby results in weight gain instead of weight loss.
• Consumption of aspartame over a long period leads to the development of cancer.
• Aspartame can even cause the development of brain tumors, and other conditions of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and epileptic seizures.
• Some people have experienced gastrointestinal problems upon consuming aspartame and various products that contain it.
• Studies have shown that excess consumption of aspartame also leads to a condition called aspartame poisoning, that can lead to mental retardation and birth defects.
• Women may be prone to a change in their menstrual cycle when they consume aspartame, and studies have shown a mixed result regarding the relation between aspartame and pregnancy. In any case, to be on the safer side, its consumption should be avoided during this period.

These are not the only documented dangers of aspartame. There are many more such dangers that scientists and researchers have discovered through the course of their studies.

Recent Findings on the Effects of Aspartame

Recent studies have proven that all the above-mentioned dangers of aspartame are baseless, and while there is no great benefit of consuming aspartame, there is not much danger either. In fact, if you are wondering if aspartame bad for your teeth, studies prove otherwise. This is the only benefit of consuming aspartame over sugar. Aspartame is known not to have any effect on teeth, unlike sugar that can cause cavities and tooth decay. There is still one exception to these negative findings.

Those who suffer from Phenylketonuria, or PKU should not even consider consuming aspartame in any form. This disease prevents the amino acid, phenylalanine from metabolizing properly, which then accumulates in the body leading to the development of several health problems. Aspartame contains large amounts of phenylalanine, and therefore should not be consumed by those who suffer from PKU. In any case, those who suffer from PKU are put on a special diet from birth. Thus, special care is taken to restrict the inclusion of aspartame in their food. Generally, packaged foods that contain aspartame should carry a label that says: Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine.

There have been two contradictory theories, so the only answer that can be concluded is that consuming aspartame in large amounts should be avoided. You could take it once in a while, but avoid the regular diet soda, and other diet and 'sugar-free' products. The prolonged consumption of aspartame may prove harmful to you as the constitution of every human being is different from the other. While having your cup of tea, or while baking, use natural sugar substitutes that are also nutritious apart from their sweetening ability. As long as you consume anything in moderation, you will be less susceptible to any harm from it.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.