Aspartame Linked to Major Health Problems: What Current Aspartame Research Says
As you surely know by now, diet sodas are not as healthy as advertised. As a matter of fact, they might be among the unhealthiest drinks you can have.
The sugar alternative these drinks contain is called aspartame, an artificial sweetener that is seriously dangerous for our health.
Aspartame has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes in many scientific studies – which we’re going to explore further down this article – making diet sodas far deadlier than we previously thought.
ASPARTAME QUICK FACTS
- In Europe, aspartame is known as E 951.
- Aspartame is aso marketed as NutraSweet, Equal, Sugar Twin and AminoSweet.
- Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar.
- Aspartame is found in Diet Sodas and “No-sugar” beverages
- The “acceptable aspartame intake is 40 mg per kg of body weight per day.
Current Aspartame Research
Increased Cardiovascular Risk and Mortality
One of the biggest studies done on diet sodas was done at the University of Iowa. The study examined the effects of diet soda on 2 groups of women.
The first group drank 2 or more cans per day, while the other had none. The results were expected – the first group had a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and they were also 50% more likely to die prematurely than the second group.
The results came after Dr Ankur Vyas and his colleagues adjusted data to account for demographics and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease including high mass body index, high sodium intake, high blood pressure, smoking, physical activity levels, etc.
The study also showed that the first group of women is also at an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and higher body mass index. These women also tend to smoke more cigarettes as well, which is a massive problem on its own.
Neurotoxicity, Behavioral Changes and Cancer
This peer-reviewed article on aspartame discusses concerns about its safety, focusing on potential health risks. Some studies suggest that high doses of aspartame may lead to subtle mood and behavioral changes below recommended limits.
Additionally, there are concerns about neurotoxicity due to its impact on glutamate receptors and potential carcinogenic risks due to increased reactive oxygen species.
While regulatory agencies consider current levels of aspartame exposure safe for the general population, the review emphasizes that certain groups, like individuals with seizures or neurological diseases, who may be at risk.
It strongly advises against aspartame for those with phenylketonuria and recommends caution during pregnancy.
Cognitive and behavioral problems
Aspartame, has been also linked to behavioral and cognitive problems, including learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
According ALWAYS to research, the consumption of aspartame can elevate the levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid in the brain, which can inhibit the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Aspartame acts as a chemical stressor by elevating plasma cortisol levels and causing the production of excess free radicals. This may increase the brain’s vulnerability to oxidative stress, potentially leading to adverse neurobehavioral health effects.
The safety of aspartame and its metabolites for general consumption is still debatable due to a lack of consistent data. More research is needed to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of aspartame.
Cancer
Research has shown that aspartame is a chemical carcinogen in rodents and prenatal exposure to aspartame increases cancer risk in rodent offspring.
The Ramazzini Institute (RI) conducted studies in 2006 and 2007, reporting that aspartame caused dose-related increases in malignant tumors in rats and mice, even at low exposure levels approaching the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
Prenatal exposures to aspartame also increased malignancies in rodent offspring at lower doses than in adults.
Critics questioned the accuracy of Ramazzini Institute’s diagnoses of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors (HLTs), suggesting that the observed pulmonary lesions in aspartame-exposed animals were inflammatory lesions caused by Mycoplasma infection rather than malignant neoplasms.
To address this question, RI conducted immunohistochemical analysis and morphological reassessment of HLTs from aspartame-exposed animals. The re-evaluation confirmed the original diagnoses of malignancy in 92.3% of cases, with no evidence of Mycoplasma infection.
These new findings confirm that aspartame is a chemical carcinogen in rodents and validate the conclusions of the original RI studies.
Mental Disorders
A 2007 review published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted concerns about aspartame.
The breakdown of aspartame in the body raises worries due to the potential formation of toxic byproducts, including formaldehyde and a carcinogenic compound.
The study discusses how phenylalanine and aspartic acid, two components of aspartame, may influence neurotransmitter regulation and act as excitatory substances in the nervous system.
It raises alarms about neurological and behavioral disturbances reported in sensitive individuals, such as headaches, insomnia, and seizures.
The review suggests a link between excessive aspartame intake and potential mental health issues, including certain mental disorders and compromised learning and emotional functioning.
Cell Death
A research paper from the Department of Physiology of the University of Madras in India found out that chronic aspartame consumption can alter brain function and lead to neurodegeneration.
The key takeaways from the research were:
- Methanol, a metabolite of aspartame, may be responsible for the observed changes in brain function.
- Long-term aspartame exposure can generate apoptosis (cell death) in brain regions.
- Aspartame exposure can result in the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress in the brain.
- Aspartame is believed to be harmful at the cellular level.
Obesity
Studies show that aspartame is linked to weight gain, increased appetite, and health issues like diabetes.
Even though people thought artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, could help with weight loss, research suggests the opposite – they might make you gain weight.
Evidence from real-life studies also connects aspartame to getting heavier and having more health problems. If you regularly have artificial sweeteners like aspartame, you might be at a higher risk of gaining too much weight, facing metabolic issues, getting type 2 diabetes, and having heart problems.
WHO: Potential Carcinogenic
On July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) due to limited evidence for cancer in humans (as they say).
But why they assessed aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” instead of carcinogenic, despite the numerous data and studies that exist? According to USRTK one possible answer is that at least 6 out of 13 JECFA panel members have ties to ILSI, a longtime Coca-Cola front group. Both the chair and vice chair of the JECFA panel have ties to ILSI.
👉 FURTHER READING
I suggest you read this article from US Right To Know called: Aspartame: Decades of science point to serious health risks where it discusses key research on the dangers of aspartame for our health and how G.D. Searle (later Monsanto and the NutraSweet Company) used PR tactics to market aspartame as a safe product
Update: The World Health Organization’s cancer research agency, the IARC, published its full report on aspartame
The growing obesity epidemic
A 2017 Time magazine article wrote about the growing obesity epidemic and the constant pressure on the soda industry.
Soda companies are under scrutiny right now and it’s affecting their sales. People are very aware of the dangers artificial sweeteners bring, and this study has only worsened their fears.
It’s even worse when we know they can be replaced with natural sweeteners such as stevia, yet the companies refuse to do so.
It’s like they’re trying to spread the obesity epidemic and put our health at risk. But, people are waking up and their awareness can no longer be underestimated.
Why diet soda manufacturers add aspartame to their products?
Despite the controversy surrounding aspartame, soda companies continue to use it because it is a cost-effective way to sweeten their products.
Aspartame is much cheaper than sugar, and it does not add any calories to the final product. Additionally, aspartame has a long shelf life and does not break down when heated, making it ideal for use in soda and other beverages.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost-effectiveness | Aspartame is much cheaper than sugar, which can save soda companies a significant amount of money. |
| Calorie-free | Aspartame contains only 4 calories per gram, which makes it a popular choice for people who are looking to reduce their sugar intake. |
| Long shelf life | Aspartame has a long shelf life and does not break down when heated, making it ideal for use in soda and other beverages. |
| Taste | Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, which means that it can be used in small amounts to achieve a desired level of sweetness. |
So, in essence “junk food manufacturers” prefer aspartame because it is cheaper not caring for the health consequences in human.
Also, you can imagine that something that is 200 times sweeter than sugar how addictive it can get.
What are the side effects of aspartame?
While it is obvious that aspartame is NOT safe for consumption, a lot of people experience side effects that they don’t link with aspartame – they may ingest from sodas and processes foods.
These side effects include:
- Headaches: Aspartame has been linked to headaches in some individuals. This is thought to be due to the way aspartame is metabolized in the body, which can lead to the release of certain chemicals that can trigger headaches.
- Dizziness: Aspartame may also cause dizziness in some people. This is thought to be due to the effect aspartame has on blood sugar levels. Aspartame can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which can lead to dizziness and other symptoms.
- Nausea: Aspartame may also cause nausea in some people. This is thought to be due to the way aspartame is absorbed in the gut. Aspartame can irritate the lining of the gut, which can lead to nausea and other digestive problems.
- Skin rashes: Aspartame may also cause skin rashes in some people. This is thought to be due to an allergic reaction to aspartame. Aspartame is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Some people may be allergic to these amino acids, which can lead to skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
- Mood changes: Aspartame may also cause mood changes in some people. This is thought to be due to the effect aspartame has on the brain. Aspartame can affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to changes in mood and behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions I received over the years about aspartame. I’ll give short answers for your convenient.
Bottom Line
With sales further declining, we hope that companies will finally switch to natural sweeteners or go down with their stubborn decisions.
In the meantime, as more and more people become aware of the dangers of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, they will join the fight and refuse to drink diet soda, reducing the risk of countless diseases.
Read Next
ℹ️ FoodNourish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you.
