Aspartame poisoning is a sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar but it has fewer calories. The aspartame can be found in yogurt, coffee, and diet sodas. It is widely used by this type of artificial sweetener. Also, aspartame is part of some medications. In the United States of America under the brand name Equal and Nutrasweet.
Many people think that aspartame is a healthier alternative to sugar but there are a lot of side effects and the potential risk for poisoning. The symptoms which are caused by aspartame poisoning can impact your physiological and psychological functioning and it even can lead to death.
There are many foods and drinks which carry the label “sugar – free” but they can have some form of artificial sweetener. The most common products which are having most chances of having aspartame include reduced-calorie – fruit juice; low – calorie yogurt; sugar – free ice cream; sugar – free candy; gum; diet soda. Also, drug manufacturers use aspartame to make certain medications more palatable.
Some medications which include aspartame as their component are laxatives and chewable vitamin supplements. There are many different ways for people who want to limit their intake of aspartame so they can try some alternative natural sweetener, such as molasses; stevia leaves; agave nectar; maple syrup; honey. [1]
You should use the chosen alternative in small quantities so in this way you will be sure that you will be safe. The mentioned natural alternatives can be high in calories, similar to sugar and they can have little or no nutritional value. The excessive amounts of these substitutes can cause tooth decay.
Symptoms Of Aspartame Poisoning:
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Here are the most common symptoms which are felt due to aspartame poisoning:
Physical Symptoms Of Aspartame Poisoning:
Aspartame poisoning can impair your senses and it can cause physical symptoms. These symptoms can interfere with every portion of your body and they can cause a great deal of pain if it is left untreated.
There are some experts who believe that aspartame poisoning can cause menstrual cramps; heart attack symptoms; irregular menstrual cycle; muscular and joint pain; loss of taste; ringing in the ears; skin lesions; vertigo and nausea. Also, you can experience bloating; leg swelling; weight gain or loss; allergic reactions in the mouth; high blood pressure; fluid retention; excessive thirst; burning during urination; hair loss; thinning hair; asthma-like symptoms; painful swallowing; abdominal pain and diarrhea. [2,3]
Neurological Symptoms Of Aspartame Poisoning:
The neurological symptoms of aspartame poisoning impact the control center for the body which is the brain. The aspartame poisoning can impact your brain’s normal functioning which means that you will experience symptoms that impair your motor skills and your most very basic level of functioning. [2,3]
The most common symptoms are hyperactivity; slurred speech; fatigue; confusion; headaches or migraines; seizures; facial pain; severe tremors; numbness in the limbs and dizziness.
Psychological Symptoms Of Aspartame Poisoning:
Aspartame poisoning can cause symptoms that can affect you psychologically. These symptoms can impact your mental well – being and how your mood is regulated. These symptoms are not dangerous but they can lead to poor decision – making and impaired judgment. [4]
There are some doctors who have said that aspartame poisoning can cause personality changes; severe depression; phobias; irritability; anxiety; aggression and depression. Also, there can be other psychological symptoms which include mood disturbances and memory loss. [5]
Critical Symptoms Of Aspartame Poisoning:
If you experience some of the critical symptoms of aspartame poisoning, then you should seek immediate medical help. All of the symptoms of aspartame poisoning can feel critical and they should be treated in a timely manner. It is known that critical symptoms can lead to permanent and extremely painful medical problems.
There are some studies in which are said that aspartame poisoning can cause dangerous symptoms and even it can cause death. The most critical symptoms which are caused by aspartame poisoning include birth defects; aspartame addiction; suicidal thoughts; brain damage and peptic ulcers which can lead to mental retardation. [3]
References:
[1] Okasha EF. Effect of long term-administration of aspartame on the ultrastructure of sciatic nerve. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure. 2016;4(4):175-83.
[2] Lindseth GN, Coolahan SE, Petros TV, Lindseth PD. Neurobehavioral effects of aspartame consumption. Research in Nursing & Health. 2014;37(3):185–93. doi:10.1002/nur.21595
[3] Humphries P, Pretorius E, Naudé H. Direct and indirect cellular effects of aspartame on the brain. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;62:451-62.
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Part D. Chapter 5: Food sustainability and safety. Retrieved from health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/previous-dietary-guidelines/2015/advisory-report/appendix-e-2/appendix-e-241
[5] Choudhary AK, Lee YY. Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection? Nutritional Neuroscience. 2018;21(5):306-16. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2017.1288340.
