The Effects of Aspartame on the Body
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener approximately 180 times sweeter than cane sugar. Known by the brand names Equal and NutraSweet, aspartame is a food additive found in more than 6,000 food products. Estimates of worldwide consumption of aspartame exceed 200 million people, according to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, yet controversy has followed its induction into the American diet since its 1981 inclusion in food products.
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Profile
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Aspartame was discovered in 1965 by a chemist who was working on finding new treatments for gastric ulcers. According to research conducted by Elmhurst University, aspartame is composed of phenylalanine and aspartic acid, two amino acids. It is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. It binds to the sweet receptor taste buds on the tongue to create the flavor associated with sweetness.
Side Effects
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Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists no adverse effects from consumption of aspartame, some consumers have reported side effects. The side effects most commonly associated with the use of aspartame include neurological disorders such as headaches, hallucinations, dizziness, mood swings, seizures and panic attacks. Among the more serious side effects reported are Grave's disease and cancer. Even with the possibility of these serious side effects, aspartame is considered safe for consumption by the FDA because studies have not been able to conclusively link aspartame to specific diseases or conditions.
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FDA Controversy
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Shortly after its discovery in 1965, aspartame was submitted to the FDA for approval as a food additive. In 1981 aspartame was approved for consumption in dry table-top products. There has been considerable controversy over the FDA approval of aspartame mainly because of the allegation that the majority of studies concluding that aspartame is safe for public consumption were funded by aspartame manufacturers. Dr. Ralph D. Walton claims that at least 90 percent of the studies completed by independent researchers found serious problems with aspartame. Other aspects of the FDA controversy cite political connections as responsible for aspartame approval and have hints of conspiracy theory.
Research Controversy
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In addition to the allegations of industry-supported research bias, further controversies with studies of aspartame are numerous. The FDA takes issue with several independent studies citing unreliable research methods. Yet Dr. Walton claims that all independent studies have found at least one problem with aspartame while industry-funded studies have shown no problems with aspartame. Many of the studies showing problems with aspartame consumption are not able to be duplicated.
Anecdotal Adverse Reports and Rebuttals
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The Internet sites that describe serious adverse effects from aspartame consumption are too numerous to mention. However, David Oliver Rietz has committed an entire website (dorway.com) to telling about his experience with aspartame. He also uses the website to post information he finds about aspartame. On his website is a list of 92 symptoms of aspartame published by the FDA in 1995. However, no reference to this document is found on the FDA website. In rebuttal to the numerous websites citing adverse effects, just as many sites refute rumors about aspartame. The University of Hawaii has compiled a fact sheet that describes the myths and truths about aspartame.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit It's Holly, http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsholly/3308012164/
