The Truth About Sugar Substitutes

Eating habits have changed a great deal in the last fifty or so years.  Today, people in wealthy nations consume a ton more than they used to, and of that consumption a great deal of it is composed of fats, processed foods, sugar and salt. 

Despite our obsession with salty snack foods and the like, our sweets tooth has also followed apace.  Today, while sugar itself may be out for calorie counters and diet experts, sugar substitutes have become commonplace in low calorie snack foods and low fat food options.

Sugar substitutes such as Aspartame while containing a great deal less calories than sugar, are in fact at least two hundred times sweeter than traditional sugar.  Smaller amounts of the product are therefore needed to sweeten our food.  And while the FDA and other such organizations across the globe have ruled that Aspartame is safe for consumption, many people have nevertheless reported ill side effects from its consumption. 

Aspartame can be found in a host of products in the supermarket aisles.  These products may include items that you may not have suspected.  Aspartame is found in cereals, breath mints, cocoa mixes, coffee beverages, yogurt, wine coolers, shake mixes, multivitamins as well as some of the more usual suspects, i.e., frozen desserts, juice beverages, soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners’ and the like.  In fact, Aspartame has become so common that most people don’t even know they are consuming unless they read labels on a regular basis.

Aspartame is made up the amino acid phenylalanine and aspartic acid, as well as methanol (wood alcohol).  These ingredients have been said to be metabolized in a similar way to natural sugar, however in a study of soda pop consumption, it was found that aspartame in pop flooded the amino acids into the bloodstream in a way that was not the same as with natural sugar consumption. 

People suffering from PKU (phenylketonuria) have been told to avoid this substance.  This disease leads to a greater conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine a process that can result in brain damage.  Others with iron deficiency and kidney disease may also be more prone to high levels of this amino acid and as such should also avoid Aspartame.

While no one disputes that those with the above disorders and sensitivities should stay away from Aspartame, there is considerable debate as to the effects of this common sugar substitute on the regular population.  While regulatory agencies have denied any ill effects from the product, many people report headaches, mood swings, sleep disorders, confusion, memory loss, and changes in vision, diarrhea and other symptoms after consumption.  Especially with regards to children, Aspartame consumption can be particularly dangerous.

If you experience any of these symptoms after ingesting Aspartame, you should of course stay away from it in the future.  Children likewise should not be given Aspartame because it may cause reactions that are not yet noticeable.  Avoiding all additives, artificial colourings and preservatives is obviously the best route you can take to protect yourself and your children.  Unfortunately, because these substances are so widespread, avoiding these harmful toxins can take a great deal of care and attention.  Nevertheless, by looking at the list of possible side effects, it would seem that extra caution is well warranted and worth it.

Healthier choices for sweeteners may by Stevia or Xylitol.