How to Avoid Aspartame

Aspartame, a low-calorie sugar substitute, has been linked over the years to a variety of medical ills. Although the safety of aspartame has been proved by more than 200 scientific studies, questions continue to pop up. Should you choose products containing aspartame? You have to decide for yourself; but here are some resources to guide your decision.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for aspartame in sugar substitutes such as NutraSweet or Equal, yogurt, low calorie "diet" soft drinks, breath mints and candy, hot cocoa mix, pudding, gelatin, vitamins and cold medicines, to name a few. Look for "aspartame" on the list of ingredients.
2. Visit the aspartame.org website for a complete list of products containing aspartame.
3. Be cautious about using products containing aspartame when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While studies have shown no harmful effects during pregnancy, some experts question these studies and suggest prudent use during pregnancy and lactation until more research is conducted.
4. Play it safe, and don't give products containing aspartame to infants.
5. Stay away from products containing aspartame if you have the rare genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU). Aspartame products contain phenylalanine, which PKU patients can't metabolize properly. Newborns receive screening for this disease in the hospital. Look for this warning on products: "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine."
6. Choose natural sugars, or try to get used to the natural sweetness in foods. Add honey to your tea, choose products sweetened with fruit juice or use real sugar--just use a little less if you're trying to lose weight.
7. Consult your personal physician for questions about aspartame and whether he recommends the sugar substitute for you.