The Truth About Aspartame. One of aspartame's two amino acids, aspartic acid, is non-essential, which means the body can manufacture it from other raw materials. Aspartic acid is also a neurotransmitter, which has led to speculation that aspartame consumption affects normal brain processes, possibly causing headaches, migraines, or worse. The claim: Most of us have heard the rumor that Aspartame (sold under the brand names NutraSweet® and Equal®) could be linked to cancer, among many other health problems. (There’s also evidence this zero calorie substitute could be making people.
Before consideration was given to permitting aspartame for use in foods in Canada, officials of Health Canada evaluated an extensive array of toxicological tests in laboratory animals and, since its listing for use, they have examined the results of a number of clinical studies in humans. There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of foods containing this sweetener, according to the provisions of the Food and Drug Regulations and as part of a well-balanced diet, would pose a health hazard to consumers. In addition, other scientific advisory bodies such as the Scientific Committee for Food of the European Community, and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization have reviewed all the available safety studies and have found aspartame to be safe. More than ninety countries world-wide, including the United States, countries of the European Union, and Australia and New Zealand, have also reviewed aspartame and found it to be safe for human consumption and allow its use in various foods. As part of a post-market surveillance program, a study was conducted in 1987 to monitor the actual consumption of aspartame in Canada. This study which involved 5200 Canadian households and 7500 individuals, demonstrated that the actual consumption of aspartame was well below the recommended ADI even during the warmest period of the year when soft drink consumption would be expected to be high. Furthermore, follow-up studies on human subjects revealed that no adverse effects were observed even when humans were exposed to higher intakes than the established ADI.
While methanol is a by-product of aspartame digestion, it is not foreign to the human diet. The pectin in many common foods including fruits and vegetables and their juices contains low levels of methanol and substances that are metabolised to methanol.
A cup of tomato juice would provide about six times more methanol than a cup of aspartame-containing soft drink. Dietary methanol, whether it comes from aspartame or common foods, is present at levels too low to cause any health problems. It does not accumulate in the body but is metabolised through normal metabolic pathways to formaldehyde, then to formic acid and finally to water and carbon dioxide. A review of the available studies on aspartame and glycemic control is available in a recent publication (The Clinical Evaluation of a Food Additive: Assessment of Aspartame. Tschanz et al. The conclusion of the authors was that in five well-conducted studies, the addition of aspartame to the diabetic diet in single doses or for prolonged periods of time did not affect control of blood sugar levels.
In addition, there were no effects on parameters indicative of insulin counter-regulation.
If you’re focused on weight loss, counting calories may be something that you’re familiar with. In an effort to limit calories, most people cut out fast food and junk food. Many people turn to artificial sweeteners such as aspartame instead of sugar as another way to reduce calories.
Which is better – sugar or aspartame? The difference between sugar and aspartameAspartame was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1974 but has been under controversy for many years.Aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners available, sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal. Aspartame is made by joining together the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are found naturally in many foods.Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used in many beverages and foods. Because of this you can use much less of it and still achieve sweetness. A major selling feature of aspartame is that it contains far few calories (two calories per teaspoon) than sugar and can therefore help with weight loss.
It tends to be found in diet sodas but because of health concerns and public perception, many companies – like Pepsi – are dropping the sweetener.On the other hand, sugar is a carbohydrate and one teaspoon contains 16 calories. There are naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and vegetables, and added sugars which are found in many processed foods. We’re concerned about added sugars, hiding in everything from baked goods to packaged tomato sauce.With the rise of obesity, cutting calories seems to be favored among dieters. The easiest way to cut calories then is to switch to sugar alternatives, like aspartame, which still offer sweetness without the added calories. Maybe, but not the best option for your health.
Why aspartame and sugar could both be badOver the years, much attention has been focused on a possible link between aspartame and cancer. However, research has not fully supported this. Claims have also been made that aspartame consumption may lead to a number of side effects. These include:.
Headaches. Dizziness.
Digestive problems. Mood changes.Serious health issues have also been attributed to the use of aspartame, which include:. Alzheimer’s disease.
Multiple sclerosis. Seizures.However, the research does not fully support these claims either.Expert agencies in the United States and elsewhere that have evaluated aspartame have found it safe for use. The FDA says aspartame is one of the most exhaustively studied substances in the human food supply, with more than 100 studies supporting its safety.More recently, a government advisory committee for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines said aspartame appears to be safe in the amounts consumed by Americans. But it added that there is still uncertainty about whether the sweetener increases risk for some blood cancers in men, the Associated Press reported in April. When aspartame becomes dangerousWhile research has not found that aspartame causes health problems in the general population, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should limit their consumption of products containing aspartame. PKU is a rare genetic disorder where a person cannot break down phenylalanine.High levels of phenylalanine in the blood can prevent important chemicals from getting to the brain, resulting in brain damage.
Because phenylalanine is found in aspartame it is vital that people who suffer from PKU limit their consumption. Aspartame in fast foodAspartame is found in diet soda that is often sold in fast food restaurants. Fast food restaurants, as well as manufacturers, market these diet sodas as a healthier option to regular sodas. Many people will order a diet soda to reduce the calories they consume but will add a whole meal to this diet soda. This doesn’t help with weight loss at all. Staying away from fast food chains and junk food is the first thing you should do if weight loss is your goal.Just like most things in life, moderation is the key when it comes to sweets. We advocate eating fresh whole foods and staying away from anything processed or artificial, aspartame included. On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional.
No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.