Artificial Sweeteners Pose No Harm!

At present, artificial sweetening compounds are added to processed foods, such as confectionery products, non-alcoholic beverages, sweets, desserts, canned goods, and dairy products. Artificial sweetening compounds have also found their use in homes. Some can even be used for baking and cooking. However, most recipes in which sugar is substituted with sweetening compound require adjustments, as artificial sweetening compounds differ in weight and volume. One of these substances is aspartame, which is commonly not held in high esteem. Many people believe that consuming it can cause seizures, migraines, dizziness, nausea, muscle spasms, weight gain, depression, fatigue, irritability, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, schizophrenia, and even death. Should it be avoided then?

In 1965, aspartame was discovered unexpectedly. American chemist James M. Schlatter, in search of a remedy for stomach ulcers, accidentally synthesized this compound. After the unexpected discovery of the sweet taste of aspartame when the scientist accidentally touched his finger covered in residue of the substance, it began to be used as a sugar substitute in many products. Aspartame was legalized in 1981, and since then, the media has published extremely diverse opinions on this substance.

Aspartame is a methyl ester of dipeptide, an organic compound composed of a mixture of two amino acids: L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. This sweetener possesses nearly 200 times the sweetness of sugar with a negligible caloric content.

Aspartame has been recognized as safe to consume by numerous regulatory agencies in more than 90 countries worldwide. It has been approved by the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which, based on data from numerous scientific studies, has confirmed its safety. In 1988-2001 alone, more than 500 scientific studies have been conducted on this artificial sweetener. Studies have been carried out in animals and in different human populations, including infants, children, women, adults, obese people, diabetics and breastfeeding women. These studies have debunked all possible causes of headache, allergies, aspartame disorders and weight loss. Negative information spread in the media about the harmfulness of aspartame has been proven false. Aspartame is safe for health, as long as the recommended daily dose of 40 mg/kg body weight is not exceeded. People with phenylketonuria, a hereditary metabolic disorder causing phenylalanine disorders, should avoid products containing aspartame.

Therefore, if one contemplates replacing sugar with a sweetening substitute, it should be done! Sweetening substitutes do not promote tooth decay and help maintain oral health. Furthermore, the application of artificial sweetening agents aids in weight control. They are especially recommended for overweight and obese individuals who find it challenging to refrain from sweets. The third aspect is that sweetening substitutes can be an alternative to sugar for people with diabetes, as they do not raise blood sugar levels like carbohydrates. People with diabetes are advised to consult a physician before introducing a specific sweetening substitute into their diet.