Aspartame????

I heard aspartame causes mass hysteria in people that believe everything they read. Is it true?

REALLY, OMG WHERE??? is it happening to me? :laugh:

ONce had a guy tell me that diet pop had aspartame in it, and he said "You DO realize that's human feces!" :noway:

I told him, then I'd be rich manufacturing aspartame for the diet pop drinkers of the world, give me a bucket to put it in! :laugh:

I personally dont like the taste of artificial sweeteners, Id rather use honey, actual sugar or that agave stuff rather than use splenda/crystal light/etc. If it works for some and it doesn't bother them then all the more power to them, those who are sensitive to aspartame and have cut it out of their diet then hooray for them too.

The original poster is not scaremongering or spreading false information. First let me clarify I am not an MD I am an Epidemiologist and medical research is my profession.

Artificial sweeteners are not good for our health. There is no evidence in any research study to suggest otherwise.

The posters, who are reminding all of us that artificial sweeteners most often cause all the side effects we are seeing posted if taken in large quantities are correct. However, there is very little data documenting the long term effects of low dose exposure and the impact on our health.

There are numerous studies, case studies and physician confirmation of the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners.

We have only had the chemicals in our food readily available for about the last 10-15 years so we really cannot conclude they are safe over time and this refers to adults. There is also no data on what consuming, even smaller doses may do to children.

Other posters have also reminded us to take what we find on the Internet with a grain of salt, also true. We all have access to Google Scholar, which will help you find published studies, in peer reviewed journals from various disciplines (medicine, biochem, biology etc) and you can read a vast amount of information.

Bottom line, it's a synthetic substance with many proven adverse health effects in otherwise healthy adults (never mind any of us who have other issues). They impact on our health through our liver and other major organs is well documented so my question is why would we take a chance when there are other choices such as stevia or coconut palm sugar (which doesn't impact insulin levels like sugar) to still have sweetness in our food and help reduce calories. For a few calories? Makes no sense to me.

Before grad school, I drank my fair share of coffee with splenda and diet coke with aspartame, now I use other substitutes and protect my health; however, having said that it is a very personal decision just be an informed consumer, don't believe everything you read on the Internet and check with reputable sources.

Please don't have the attitude "I've made up my mind, don't confuse me with facts".....go get your facts. Here's just one place to start, an article from the Journal of the Diabetic Association of India 1995 from Dr's. Barua and Bal "Emerging Facts About Aspartame http://basichealthinfo.weebly.com/uploads/4/2/5/9/425984/article-on-aspartame.pdf

We've known for over a decade (and some argue much longer) the adverse events of artificial sweeteners, which no amount of industry sponsored research or slick advertising can make safe.

Thanks OP

It also causes cancer- dont eat it. It is banned in all countries but the US....... :huh:

Not proven. And Japan has the largest aspartame production plant in the world.......................

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It is apparent from some of the replies that aspartame causes headaches in some people. There may also be other side effects. Does it cause blindness? hmmmm dont know but to me its doubtful. To those who suffer side effects it is of course best that they not use aspartame. For those who are committed to using natural products, it would also be best not to use aspartame. For those who seem to be able to handle aspartame, and who enjoy their diet foods with aspartame, by all means use them (hopefully there will be no adverse effects down the road).

I heard aspartame causes mass hysteria in people that believe everything they read. Is it true?

I think sooo! I am sure of it! I quit using it because my daughter nagging me about it gave me a pain in my other end! But I am having less joint pain. Coincedence? Probably but don't want joint pain back so whatever works for me.

When I was thinking about getting pregnant I went to a naturopath to go over my diet.. She only told me to cut out anything aspertame, splenda , etc since it can cause birth defects in babies... So I gave it up, and noticed my 5x a week headaches went down to ZERO! Just makes you wonder what that stuff is doing to you

Ah naturopaths, bastions of useless "knowledge", false "science", and the ability to "cure" everything with water... oh, and snake oil

Naturopaths (at least here in Canada) have to have their Bachelor of Science then go on to study Naturopathic medicine. They have the same schooling as your medical doctor. And no they don't cure everything with water and snake oil. Have you ever been to a naturopath? Just because their answer to everything isn't drugs doesn't mean they are idiots.

Hi I dont like artificial products either so if youre looking for something sweet to replace sugar, try Stevia. Its super sweet and I prefered to cut out sugar rather than use this but know lots of people who have made the switch and really love the taste! I thinks its made from a plant, tree or the like, but is natural.

Stevia is just as artificially processed as aspartame, it just apparently has better marketing.

Also, millions of people around the world can DIE just from smelling a peanut. BAN THE EVIL PEANUT!


Seriously, there's a huge difference between an allergic reaction, and poison.

Even though it has been around for years, doctors still tell women not to use it while pregnant. It is also a trigger for many people for migraines.

Generally, I stay away from ALL chemicals in my food. Better to eat a little of the real thing than use a chemical.

As far as flavoring water, you're best bet is to go with regular old lemon or lime slices.

Depends on how many gallons of diet soda you can down in a day.

It is, however, a migraine trigger for me.

Ditto