Is there an aspartame danger?Here is recent research that will allow you to determine if there is any aspartame danger. What is Aspartame?Aspartame was first approved by the FDA in 1980, so it has been around for a while. It is known under the trade names Equal, NutraSweet, Canderel, and—the most recent addition to the list—AminoSweet.Aspartame doesn’t retain its sweetness after heating, so it’s not used in cooking or baking. Splenda (sucralose) is more commonly used for cooking and baking because it does retain its sweetness after heating. However, sucralose has its own share of safety controversy. Is Aspartame Dangerous?Since aspartame was approved by the FDA in 1980, there has been a lot of debate about its health risks. Research published in 2002 and 2007 found that aspartame is safe. However, it's important to note that the 2002 study was funded by the company that holds the patent on the trade name of NutraSweet.Following are some of the diseases and side effects that have been associated with aspartame consumption: The Cancer and Aspartame DangerA 2007 article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should reevaluate its position on aspartame as being safe under all conditions. Animal bioassay results predict human cancer risks, and a recent animal study confirms that there is a potential aspartame risk to humans.” (The bold emphasis is mine.)A study published in 2008 found a connection between use of aspartame for 10 years or more with urinary tract tumors. Yet, a study published in 2009 found no connection between aspartame and stomach, pancreas, and endometrial cancer. The aspartame and cancer connection is due to its methanol component, and the formaldehyde that is formed when aspartame is metabolized. Per information on the National Cancer Institute’s website, formaldehyde was classified as a probably human carcinogen with unusually high or prolonged exposure by the EPA in 1987. The National Cancer Institute cites studies done since then that suggest that formaldehyde may cause certain types of cancer. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers formaldehyde a human carcinogen. So do you think there are any dangers of aspartame?There's some pretty compelling evidence that there is a distinct aspartame danger, especially in sensitive individuals.There are many safe sweetener alternatives on the market today, including: If you're a diet soda lover, there's a great, all natural diet soda without aspartame available now. It's called "Zevia" and it's sweetened with the natural, zero-calorie sweetener, stevia. It's available in every flavor that other artificially sweetened diet sodas have: cola, ginger ale, lemon-lime, black cherry, orange, and root beer. It's great tasting, and has zero calories. You can find it here. Return to the Home Page from Aspartame Danger. |