Aspartame is a popular sweetener found in some foods. Many people consider aspartame to be carcinogenic and harmful. Is it really so? What are the side effects of consuming this compound? Here is some information.
Aspartame is a chemical compound belonging to the group of peptide esters. This sweetener with the code E951 added to food compensates for the lack of sugar or fat. Therefore, it is a product that is primarily used by diabetics.
As it turns out – a small amount of aspartame guarantees a sweetish aftertaste equivalent to a teaspoon of regular sugar, but its calorific value is almost zero.
The list of products containing this sweetener includes:
- some yoghurts,
- sweetened carbonated drinks,
- flavored mineral waters,
- isotonic drinks,
- drinks such as “iced tea”
- soluble cocoa,
- almost all chewing gums
- numerous drops and dragees,
- fruit and milk drinks,
- jellies,
- frozen desserts.
Aspartame content in drugs
Some medications, even those generally available, also contain aspartame. Among them there are:
- effervescent tablets,
- lozenges, no added sugar,
- preparations in a pot for the preparation of an oral solution, e.g. cold and flu preparations in sachets,
- joint pills.
Aspartame is the only sweetener that is processed by the human organs. Digested – breaks down into two basic natural amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. But it should be noted that for people with phenylketonuria it is a serious threat, because they do not metabolize phenylalanine.
In addition, the metabolism of aspartame produces methanol, which is also toxic to humans. However, studies show that methanol levels are not harmful to the human body with little aspartame consumption.
Aspartame and carcinogenicity
In the last century, more precisely in the nineties, numerous magazines indicated that aspartame may be carcinogenic. Nevertheless, the research carried out at that time was carried out on laboratory rats which, as we know, have slightly different enzymatic systems than humans. What’s more – much higher doses were used in the research than those used in industry.
Modern experts have shown that there is no link between aspartame and cancer. In addition, scientists expressed a positive opinion on this sweetener and it has been approved for sale in EU countries.
Aspartame – side effects of use
Aspartame side effects are diverse. When consumed in larger amounts, this product may cause ailments such as:
- headaches and dizziness,
- nausea,
- rash,
- heart tachycardia
- numbness and muscle spasms
- weight gain
- difficulties with breathing,
- insomnia,
- vision problems.
Bearing in mind the side effects associated with long-term consumption of this substance, it is best to limit its intake.