What's wrong with aspartame?

[jcapulet]

I have been reading here and there bad things about aspartame...does it affect weight loss? I chew sugar free (aspartme) flavored gum every day...I'd go nuts without it!

[Elizellen]

Dr Atkins did discourage its use 'because of questions about its safety' in DANDR 2002.

[jcapulet]

Ah I see. Thanks Elizellan

[Isabeau]

Yeah, there's lots of interesting research about aspartame out there and I think more is known about the risks of injesting a lot of it since Dr. Atkins wrote his last book. I was listening to a nutrionist speak and she was asked if there was one thing she could change in terms of people's health/nutrition it was to have aspartame off the shelf, no question. She feels it will be gone within ten years.

[big_bad_john]

I have heard:

Aspartame stalls weight loss

Aspartame may be linked to cancer

Aspartame has adverse effects on blood sugar

Aspartame was responsible for mount St Helena's last eruption

[big_bad_john]

One of the above may not be true....

[sunflowergrl]

BBJ, you are so darn funny!!

[AudreyM]

I asked a friend of mine who is studying to be a biochemist what she knew about aspartame. She said, "Yes, aspartame can increase your risk of cancer, but so can a lot of things - what's more important about diet drinks is that even a small amount of aspartame can cause a whole host of other problems, including memory loss."

She then linked me to a website that lists some of those other problems, http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/damage.txt

From the Other Hazards section:

The following is a selection of other hazards from long-term use of
aspartame. Once these effects are seen clinically, the internal
damage has often been done. Removing aspartame from the diet may
clear up some of the symptoms but the damage from the breakdown
products such as methanol may be permanent.

Seizures and convulsions, arthritic and joint pain, chronic fatigue,
depression, memory loss, vision damage and loss, tingling in the
extremities, slurring of speech, irritability, severe anxiety
attacks, menstrual problems, blood sugar control problems, symptoms
similar to multiple sclerosis, worsening of fibromyalgia, parkinson's
tremors, etc., etc.

[Kent]

According to what I have read, in his clinical studies consumption of aspartame slowed weight loss in 25% of Dr. Atkins patients. While I am generally unconcerned about the health side effects of aspartame, that fact was enough to say I should limit or eliminate it from diet. I didn't want to play the guessing game if I was in the midst of weight loss hesitation that there was something more I should be doing. It really is a personal decision in my book, but just be aware of all the facts.