Unveiling the Hidden Risks of Aspartame (E951)
Artificial dyes come in two types: loose-fill sweeteners and intense sweeteners.
Loose-fill sweeteners like mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and hydrogenated glucose are used in processed foods as sugar substitutes. They have almost the same caloric content as sugar but are not well absorbed by our bodies. Interestingly, xylitol and hydrogenated glucose can help prevent cavities. However, in large amounts, these sweeteners can cause diarrhea.
Intense sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame K, and saccharin, do not provide any calories. They’re commonly found in diet products. Recently, these intense sweeteners have raised concerns due to potential side effects.
Aspartame, for example, is a sugar substitute that’s 200 times sweeter than sugar. First approved in the UK in 1982, it can be found in products like soft drinks and low-calorie foods under names like NutraSweet, E951, and aspartame. Despite its widespread use, over 75% of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA are linked to aspartame. These reactions range from headaches and dizziness to more severe issues like seizures, weight gain, depression, and even vision problems.
Certain chronic diseases may be triggered or worsened by aspartame, including brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, birth defects, and diabetes.
Aspartame consists of three chemicals:
1. **Aspartic acid (40%)**: High levels can damage brain neurons, especially in children or those with preexisting brain injuries.
2. **Phenylalanine (50%)**: Naturally found in the brain, it can be harmful in high levels, particularly for those with phenylketonuria (PKU). Even people without PKU can have elevated levels, which is dangerous for fetuses and children.
3. **Methanol (10%)**: This is a toxic substance that breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid in the body, both of which are harmful. For example, soldiers in Desert Storm who drank aspartame-sweetened drinks that had been heated in the sun experienced symptoms similar to formaldehyde poisoning.
A byproduct of aspartame breakdown is diketopiperazine (DKP), which can form during storage, especially in liquids. DKP can convert into a compound linked to brain tumors.
There are concerns about birth defects and brain cancer linked to aspartame, although funding and studies on these topics have been limited or halted. For instance, a study showed that mice developed brain tumors after consuming aspartame, but further research was stopped due to claims of insufficient evidence.
Aspartame is also connected with diabetes management issues. It may worsen diabetic symptoms, reduce the effectiveness of insulin and other medications, and lead to complications like retinopathy and neuropathy. However, when patients stop consuming aspartame, they often see dramatic improvements.
Epilepsy is another area of concern. Reports, including one from the U.S. Aviation, highlighted an increase in sudden fainting among pilots consuming aspartame. This finding is supported by a 1969 study where infant primates experienced fainting episodes after ingesting aspartame.
In conclusion, it might be wise to avoid products containing aspartame to prevent these potential health risks.
