Running Head: ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Aspartames Effects on Health

Shamila Hashimi
Western Washington University

Aspartames Effects on Health

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Introduction
Sugar is an inseparable part of our diet. Too much sugar has been linked to
many different diseases including diabetes, cancer, and obesity. With increased
public awareness in regards to the detrimental effects sugar has on the body,
people have been resorting to sugar alternatives which may be deadlier. Artificial
sweeteners and artificial sweetened products attract more customers. A sugar
substitute (artificial sweetener) is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar
in taste, but usually has less food energy (Tandel, 2011). There are many different
types of sugar substitutes on the market, however, I have selected to research the
most dangerous one; aspartame. Aspartame brand names include; NutraSweet,
Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. It was discovered by accident in 1965 when
James Schlatter, a chemist of G.D. Searle Company, was testing an anti-ulcer drug.
Animal studies have shown weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer, and other
health hazards when ingesting aspartame. Children and adults ingest a large
amount of aspartame unintentionally which exceeds the Food and Drugs
Administrations (FDA) approval leading to serious health complications because of
its metabolites (Roberts, 2007). Within this paper I will discuss the dangerous
components of aspartame in detail and provide other sugar alternatives for the
general population that are a safer option.
Mostly approved for dry goods and carbonated beverages, aspartame is
composed of phenylalanine (50%), aspartic acid (40%) and methanol (10%).
According to the FDA, aspartame accounts for over 75% of the harmful reactions
found in food additives (Roberts, 2007). Anecdotal literature specify consumer
concerns which include cancer, multiple sclerosis, blindness, seizures, memory loss,
depression, anxiety, obesity, birth defects and death, with anxieties regarding both

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

acute and chronic exposure. After a randomized double blind controlled crossover
study was undertaken in aspartame sensitive individuals, 13 psychiatric patients
suggested increased depression (Sathyapalan et al., 2015). Other side effects
include; headaches, dizziness, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain,
fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing
difficulties, slurred speech, loss of taste, and joint pain (Krucik, 2015). All of these
reactions have been associated with aspartame disease. The existence of
aspartame disease continues to be denied by the FDA despite its public health
threat. Diet foods containing aspartame can have numerous neurotoxic, metabolic,
allergenic, fetal and carcinogenic effects.
Addiction
Aspartame is a unique, low-calorie sweetener used by many individuals
worldwide. After being approved by the FDA in 1981, it may be found in tabletop
sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, yogurt, Jell-O, puddings, chewing gum and
confectionary desserts (Tandel, 2011). Drinking diet sodas for the daily pick-meup may actually be bringing you down. Studies have linked some cases of
depression to aspartame. Currently, over half of the population consumes products
that contain aspartame. Children with mood swings, anxiety, and emotional
instability have been recommended to remove aspartame from their diets (Mercola,
2013). Studies show that when parents adhere to better food choices for their kids
and reduce the consumption of diet sodas, they notice significant improvement in
their childs behavior (Tandel, 2011).
This multi-billion dollar industry promotes their products to consumers
wanting to avoid sugar and lose weight, even though the latter intent proves an

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

illusion. Labels of no sugar-added, sugar-free, or diet attracts customers. The

chemically processed sugar substitute is also non-nutritive and non-caloric.
Addiction to aspartame products is another tragic problem that has been neglected.
People consuming large amounts may unintentionally become addicted. Not only
does this chemical have mild to severe side effects, people may also have difficulty
stopping due to aggressive and prolonged withdrawal reactions which is a basic
characteristic of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms include; severe irritability,
tension, depression, tremors, nausea, and sweating. These symptoms tend to
subside after patients resume aspartame due to an intense craving for these
products (Mercola, 2013).
There have been allergic reactions to this substance such as hives and
swelling in sensitive individuals. Although this substance is 200 times sweeter than
sucrose, it is classified as a non-nutritive sweetener that may be used in very small
amounts to reach effectiveness (Tandel, 2015). Regular intake of soft drinks
containing aspartame is associated with disorders of the metabolic system
including; abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and/or impaired glucose tolerance,
dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure. Daily diet soda consumption has also
increased risks of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome by 67% and 36%
due to an altered gut microbiota profile (Palmns, Cowan, Bomhof, Su, Reimer,
Vogel, & Shearer, 2014). Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners increase
populations of gut bacteria that are more effective at pulling energy from the foods
we consume and turning the energy into fat.
Component of Methanol

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

The sugar alternative is frequently used by individuals as part of a weight

control regime. Minor concentrations can negatively impact normal gut bacteria.
Aspartame is made of 10% methanol. Each molecule of aspartame releases
methanol which then releases into a highly reactive particle of formaldehyde, a
known human carcinogen. Studies have shown that when the temperature of
aspartame exceeds 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the wood alcohol in aspartame converts
to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis
(Tandel, 2011). Metabolic acidosis includes buildup of body toxins and kidney failure
due to the production of too much acid. Clearly, this can only happen if one ingests
very large quantities of aspartame.

Component of Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine found in aspartame is an amino acid naturally present in many
foods. Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which the
body cannot break down phenylalanine may suffer from additional disorders. Levels
of phenylalanine can build up in the blood which prevents important chemicals like
amino acids from getting to the brain (Mercola, 2013). Unless the intake of
phenylalanine is carefully limited, children with PKU may suffer from abnormal brain
development. Aspartame is 50% phenylalanine, therefore people with PKU and the
parents of kids who have been diagnosed with PKU through blood tests should
constantly be aware of the ingredients in the foods they eat.
Component of Aspartic Acid

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

Aspartame is made up of 40% of the molecule aspartic acid, another amino

acid. It serves as a neurotransmitter that stimulates the NDMA receptor responsible
for learning and memory (Mercola, 2013). Aspartic acid is found in many protein
foods such as milk, however, the body cannot distinguish between the amino acids
in aspartame and milk. Protein foods contain many different amino acids whereas
aspartame floods the bloodstream with only two amino acids (phenylalanine and
aspartic acid). Due to this sudden overflowing of only two amino acids, there arent
enough amino acids to neutralize and eliminate the sudden flooding. In other
words, taking amino acids out of their natural form might cause problems such as
malabsorption of nutrients and altered gut bacteria.
Detrimental Effects of Aspartame
The consumption of aspartame causes neurological and behavioral
disturbances in sensitive individuals. It has been reported that the consumption of
aspartame could cause neurological and behavioral disturbances in sensitive
individuals due to phenylalanine and aspartic acid. These reactions include;
headaches, insomnia, and seizures due to the changes in brain concentrations of
catecholamines, which include norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine
(Humphries, Pretorius, & Naud, 2008). These neurotransmitters play a huge role in
life-sustaining functions. When mice were given aspartame in doses that raise
plasma phenylalanine levels more than those of tyrosine (which probably occurs
after any aspartame dose in humans), the frequency of seizures increased
(Humphries, Pretorius, & Naud, 2008). Based off this evidence, energy levels of
individuals who consume aspartame on a regular basis decreases which effect daily
activities such as exercise performance and the ability to concentrate.

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

The usual liter of diet soda may contain around 55 milligrams of aspartame.
Complications of methanol poisoning include blindness, brain swelling, pancreatitis,
numbness, shooting pains, cardiac changes, and death. According to the
Aspartame Consumer Safety Network, when ingested, methanol breaks down into
formaldehyde, known to cause cancer, accumulating slowly without detection in the
body (Mercola, 2013).
Artificial sweeteners are popular amongst diabetics because they dont raise
blood sugars. They also dont promote tooth decay and are non-caloric. The FDA
sets an acceptable daily intake of 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight
(Roberts, 2007). For example, a 150-pound adult may consume 3,500 milligrams of
aspartame each day. A 12-ounce diet can of Coke has 185 milligrams of aspartame.
Based off the recommendation, this adult can technically and safely consume 19
cans each day to reach the acceptable daily intake. The decision to use aspartame
is each individuals to make. There are numerous considerations people need to take
before incorporating the substance into their diet. Moderation is key and tapering
off aspartame should be a step-by-step process for individuals who consume more
than the recommended daily intake.

Safer Sugar Alternatives

There are many safe alternative sweeteners on the market that people should
to be aware about. A new sugar alternative extracted from the leaves of the plant
referred to as the Stevia rebaudiana has been increasingly popular amongst the
diabetic population. Stevia, a sweetener of natural origin, is also 200 times as sweet

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

as sucrose. Historically, the most significant commercial use of stevia has been by
Japan where it has been estimated to have accounted for as much as 40% of the
intense sweeteners market. Japan began using stevia in the early 1970s following a
decision to ban saccharin and cyclamates (Boileau, Fry, & Murray, 2012).
All-natural sweeteners such as honey and agave are some other safer
options. Although these products are loaded with fructose, they are healthier
options as compared to aspartame because of their natural components. Individuals
suffering from diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol related issues may benefit from the
use of these sugars rather than aspartame. Persons who are adequately healthy
may benefit from using glucose or regular sucrose in order to avoid the danger
components of aspartame.
My Story and the Nurses Role
Before starting my research, I was not aware of the various harmful effects
and diseases aspartame causes. I have always been passionate about nutrition and
making healthier choices when it comes to food due to personal weight fluctuations
I have had in the past. After hearing continuous stories and reading articles on the
negative aspects of Diet Pepsi, I started researching sugar alternatives. My dad
has been struggling with diabetes for about ten years which also triggered my
interest in this topic.
The knowledge I have acquired from the articles I have read, websites I have
visited, and individuals I spoke with will be beneficial for myself and my patients. I
currently work at Skagit Valley Hospital and have worked with numerous diabetic
and obese patients who lack nutrition education and assume sugar-free products
are beneficial for them. I have collected sufficient factual data that I may provide to

ASPARTAMES EFFECTS ON HEALTH

my patients with great confidence. I hope to continuously teach my father, patients,

and the community the importance of knowing the side effects of this dangerous
chemical when used in excess and advise them to use other sugar alternatives to
sweeten their meals.
Education plays a huge role in the nurses scope of practice within the
hospital setting and in the community. It is our duty to provide evidence-based
information to our family, friends, and patients. Due to the excessive population of
diabetics and rise in obesity, it is crucial to incorporate healthy and natural foods
into our diet. It is also essential to educate people on what no sugar-added,
sugar-free, and diet really mean. Nutrition education is lacking at the current
hospital I work at based off of personal experiences I have had with my patients. For
future exploration, I would like to research the benefits of nutrition education in the
hospital setting upon discharge. In my opinion, I believe it as an extremely
important aspect that needs to be incorporated into patients plan of care.
Video
I have included a link to a video that summarizes the effects aspartame has
on the human body. Initially, I thought this ingredient was much more harmful. The
intake of aspartame completely depends on the health of the individual. Although
the side effects can be extremely severe, one has to consume very large amounts
and actually be addicted in order for withdrawal to occur and symptoms to be
noticed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92r1oOul0kM

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References
Boileau, A., Fry, J. C., & Murray, R. (2012). A new calorie-free sugar substitute from
the leaf of the stevia plant arrives in the UK. Nutrition Bulletin, 37(1), 47-50.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-3010.2011.01945.x
Humphries, P., Pretorius, E., & Naud, H. (2008). Direct and indirect cellular effects
of aspartame on the brain. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 62(4), 451462. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602866
Krucik, G. (2015). The truth about aspartame side effects. Retrieved from
http://www.healthline.com/health/aspartame-side-effects#Products3
Mercola, J. (2013). Sugar substitutes; whats safe and whats not. Retrieved from
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/07/sugarsubstitutes.aspx
Palmns, M. A., Cowan, T. E., Bomhof, M. R., Su, J., Reimer, R. A., Vogel, H. J., & ...
Shearer, J. (2014). Low-dose aspartame consumption differentially affects gut
microbiota-host metabolic interactions in the diet-induced obese rat. Plos
One, 9(10), e109841. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109841
Roberts, H. J. (2007). Aspartame disease: an FDA approved epidemic. Retrieved
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/07/aspartamedisease-part-two.aspx
Sathyapalan, T., Thatcher, N. J., Hammersley, R., Rigby, A. S., Courts, F. L.,
Pechlivanis, A., & ... Atkin, S. L. (2015). Aspartame sensitivity? A double blind

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randomised crossover study. Plos One, 10(3), e0116212.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116212
Tandel, K. R. (2011). Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits.
Journal Of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 2(4), 236-243.
doi:10.4103/0976-500X.85936