The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: News

Media Credit: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SARA GUEVARA Sweet 'N Low, Splenda and Equal are only a few artificial sweetening options. Not all of them contain aspartame, but many do. [Click to enlarge]

Since the Food and Drug Administration approved aspartame in 1981, numerous reports of negative effects have been linked to the artificial sweetener.

Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used in low and reduced-calorie drinks and foods, according to the Aspartame Information Center's Web site. The sweetener is made of Aspartic acid and phenylalanine, two amino acids that are found in protein containing foods, the Web site reports.

If searched for on the Internet, the word 'aspartame,' produces a slew of Web sites dedicated to revealing the "bitter truth" about the sweetener.

Several of aspartame's critics say it causes symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome, cancer and other side effects such as headaches and allergic reactions.

But many of these claims likely are not true.

"At this point, all the credible information suggests (aspartame) is not a problem," said Rob Shewfelt, University professor of food science and technology. Shewfelt said he has used aspartame for many years with no qualms.

Health and food science professionals tend to agree with Shewfelt and disregard the aspartame controversy as another urban legend.

"Since other countries actually approved (aspartame) before the U.S. did, and at least 100 countries have approved its use," said Alice Bender, a nutritionist at the University Health Center, "I believe there is validity in the FDA's decision."

According to a statement made by the FDA, "To date, (we have) not determined any consistent pattern of symptoms that can be attributed to the use of aspartame, nor is the agency aware of any recent studies that clearly show safety problems."

Various organizations such as the Lupus Foundation of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society discredit allegations that link aspartame to the diseases.

Critics argue aspartame is harmful because it breaks down into three chemical components - methanol, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Opponents of aspartame argue these chemicals are toxic to the body, especially the brain.

But humans eat these chemical components with fruits and vegetables. A 2006 report by the Institute of Food Technologists showed phenylalanine and aspartic acid occur in foods.

The institute reports people consume methanol in drinks, such as beer and apple juice.

The chemical some must watch for is phenylalanine, toxic for those born with phenylketonuria, a rare metabolic disorder detectable in infants. The FDA mandates all products with phenylalanine have warning labels.

For now, aspartame remains an option on shelves across America.

"Aspartame is a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it contains a negligible amount of energy but provides sweet taste," Bender said.

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