How to Understand the Dangers in Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that was discovered in 1965. It is currently marketed under various trademark names, such as NutraSweet, Equal and Canderel and is used in many diet soda beverages. There is an ongoing controversy over the safety of using aspartame, with some claiming symptoms of aspartame use includes fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis symptoms, headaches, dizziness, brain cancer and menstrual problems. However, the FDA has approved the use of aspartame and proponents of aspartame claim it is safe.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop using aspartame if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Phenylketonuria is a rare metabolic disease that can cause retardation. Aspartame is considered an additional source of phenylalanine, and those with PKU are susceptible to dangerous levels of phenylalanine collecting in the body.

• 2

  Avoid if you have advanced liver disease. Damage to the brain can result with high levels of amino acid phenylalanine in body fluids. Amino acid phenylalanine is a component of aspartame. Those with advanced liver disease and pregnant women with hyperphenylalanine do not effectively metabolize this amino acid. Therefore these people should avoid aspartame.

• 3

  Consider headaches a possibility. Headaches can result for some who consume aspartame. Although the aspartame website insists there is no concrete proof that aspartame can trigger headaches in some users, it is a commonly held belief that some people are sensitive to aspartame, and headaches can result.