Pregnant women, seniors, and people who are suffering from certain medical conditions should avoid consuming sugary foods for the sake of their health. However, this can be difficult for those who have a sweet tooth. Artificial sweeteners, such as Aspartame, can be a good choice for certain individuals. However, some pregnant women are unsure about using Aspartame due to potential associated risks. The FDA and other agencies have confirmed that Aspartame is safe to use, debunking false statements.
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that was created in 1965. It is usually promoted as NutraSweet or AminoSweet. Since the FDA approved it for consumption in 1974, Aspartame has been the subject of a number of controversies and web hoaxes. One of these hoaxes concerned a long e-mail declaring that aspartame leads to “methanol toxicity”, systemic lupus, vertigo, as well as other side effects.
There is a lot of debate on the internet about aspartame, with many people believing that it is harmful. However, the weight of scientific evidence does not support these claims. Here are a few of the most popular myths about aspartame:
Myth #1: It Produces Excess Weight
There are scientific studies written that disprove the assumed link between gaining weight and Aspartame. A study conducted in 1997 revealed that Aspartame does not enhance weight gain. Another study, conducted in 1989, found that Aspartame helps facilitate weight control in multidisciplinary weight loss programs.
In 1990, studies found that aspartame-sweetened soft drinks helped people lose weight, while those who consumed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) sweetened soda gained weight.
This difference is most likely because HFCS is much sweeter than aspartame, so people tend to consume more of it. Not to mention, HFCS is also cheaper to produce than aspartame, so food and beverage companies often use it as a sweetener in their products.
Myth #2: It has Ill Effects on Lactation and Pregnancy
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in many food and beverage products. Although there are many myths about pregnancy and Aspartame on the web, there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. Some websites claim that aspartame can affect the amount of milk produced by expecting mothers, or that it creates women to produce breast milk containing substances hazardous for newborns. Others say it boosts the probability of women giving birth to kids with brain damages. However, there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims.
Many say that aspartame could be harmful to pregnant or breastfeeding women and their newborns. The FDA, Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition all say that these claims are not true. They confirm that aspartame is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women and their newborns.
Myth #3: It is a Carcinogen
Studies conducted by the FDA and EPFA have found that aspartame is not a carcinogen. However, some people still claim that it is. The American Cancer Society conducted studies on this issue, and located no data to prove aspartame’s link to cancer or tumor growth.
Myth #4: It Causes (or Worsens) Epilepsy
Some people with epilepsy have claimed that aspartame triggers their seizures. Additionally, certain parents have speculated that aspartame could be a cause of their children’s epilepsy. However, both the Epilepsy Foundation of America and Epilepsy Institute of New York have announced that there is no link between aspartame and epilepsy in children or adults.
Before believing anything you read about aspartame on the internet, verify if the article cites legitimate scientific resources. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is used in many food and drinks. Despite being generally recognized as safe by the FDA, there are many myths about aspartame and its potential risks, especially during pregnancy. Don’t worry about aspartame unless you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that makes it hard for your body to break down phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame. If you have PKU, you should avoid aspartame and other foods and drinks that contain phenylalanine.
