Aspartame is a low-calorie sugar substitute used in many powdered drink mixes, carbonated beverages and table-top sweeteners. Although aspartame was approved by the FDA in 1981 and is currently approved for use in 100 countries, there has been some controversy over its safety. Aspartame is alleged to be linked to several conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's and lupus.
What Is Aspartame?
Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, and offers no calories or nutritional value. For those trying to reduce their calories, this is an attractive substitute. Aspartame is made from amino acids, and once in the body, is digested to its components: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. It is these components that some believe cause health problems.
Myth
One of the components of aspartame is methanol. The connection that some made linking aspartame usage to multiple sclerosis (MS) alleged that aspartame induced MS-like symptoms by causing methanol toxicity. However, this has been found not to be the case.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis occurs due to damage to the myelin in the central nervous system, which interferes with nerve signals between the brain and other parts of the body. Various symptoms may come and go, but as the disease progresses, they include fatigue, numbness, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, vision problems, emotional changes, cognitive impairment, vertigo and spasticity.
Methanol Toxicity
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Once in the body, methanol is transformed into formaldehyde and then eventually into formic acid. This can cause damage to the eyes, causing vision impairment. It also affects neurological functions and can lead to seizures.
Fact
There is no scientific evidence that aspartame causes any adverse effects, including symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Aspartame is one of the most studied food products. There have been tests conducted in both animals and humans, with them consuming far greater amounts than would ever be consumed in a normal diet, and no adverse side effects have ever been documented.
In addition, the amount of methanol introduced into the body by aspartame is very small and not enough to induce toxicity. In fact, a serving of tomato juice contains six times more methanol than the same amount of an aspartame-sweetened beverage.
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