Aspartame is a common sweetener in the food industry. It is found in products such as chewing gum, sugary drinks, light foods, and some medications. A sweetener that causes a lot of controversy, and despite this, is still present in many foods. Opinions about him are divided, but is it really worth being afraid of, or are these unfounded fears?
What is worth knowing about sweeteners?
On the market, you can see a large number of sugar-free, low-calorie, light-type products that are intended for diabetics. In fact, they have a variety of sweeteners in their composition. But is that right? It should be remembered that any substance in excess has an adverse effect on the body, and may be harmful. In the case of sweeteners, research is still underway and it is not fully known what effect they might cause. As you know, every product is tested before entering the market. For example, saccharin, once a popular substance, is now being withdrawn from the market due to its potentially carcinogenic effects.
For an additional example, the adverse effects caused by the overuse of sorbitol are given. Consuming two packs of chewing gum containing this substance causes diarrhea, resulting in a loss of approximately 20% of body weight.
Synthetic sweeteners are often used by diabetics and weight watchers. These are synthetic substances that do not contain calories and do not cause tooth decay. They are much sweeter than sugar, and therefore a small amount already gives the desired sweet taste. The most commonly used synthetic sweeteners include acesulfame K and aspartame.
There are also semi-synthetic sweeteners - natural plant compounds found, for example, in birch or plum - mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. They are characterized by their insignificant sweetness compared to sugar, but they also contain fewer calories. Moreover, these compounds (mainly xylitol) are found in products, for example, in sweets, chewing gum, and provide a pleasant cooling effect.
Aspartame, according to food safety experts, can be consumed without health concerns. There are, however, many scientists who claim that aspartame is a carcinogen. So what are the side effects of consuming it regularly?
Aspartame is a peptide ester chemical used as an artificial sweetener under the code E951. After digestion, it decomposes into two natural amino acids: phenylanine and aspartic acid. The metabolic product of aspartame is methyl alcohol, which is toxic to the body. However, it has been proven that with moderate use of aspartame, the amount of methanol does not pose a danger to the body.
Is aspartame a carcinogen?
In the 90s, there were many publications indicating the carcinogenic effect of aspartame, around the same time in Bologna, studies were carried out on rats. Scientists on their basis have determined the carcinogenic properties of aspartame. Only later research has shown that aspartame is closely related to the development of cancer.
What side effects can aspartame cause?
The Department of Health lists several undesirable side effects of aspartame that people who regularly use this sweetener have complained about:
- headaches (migraines), - dizziness, nausea and numbness, - muscle cramps, - rash, - vision problems, - insomnia and / or depression
- breathing difficulties, - joint pain, - loss of taste, - tinnitus and hearing loss.
These are the classic symptoms of aspartame overdose poisoning, and they can appear at different dosages, depending on the organism.
Products containing aspartame
List of products in which aspartame can be found:
- most carbonated drinks, - energy drinks, - flavored mineral waters, - some types of beer, - most chewing gums, - some yoghurts, - instant milk coffee and tea, - frozen desserts
- breath fresheners.
In what preparations can aspartame be found?
Most commonly, aspartame is found in powdered cold and flu remedies, which should be dissolved in water.