Should Aspartame Usage Be Encouraged or Avoided?

„Aspartame is a sweetener that is found in many products, from chewing gum to medicines. It is a substance that does not affect insulin levels in the body, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Furthermore, aspartame is very sweet, being 150 to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. It also contains only 4 kcal per 100 grams of product. It may seem like the perfect solution for those with diabetes, as well as those looking to maintain their figure or engaging in bodybuilding. However, the situation is not so simple. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of aspartame, and the results are often contradictory. So, what is really in this popular sweetener, known as E 951?“

Aspartame is the technical name for several products, such as NutraSweet, Spoonful, and Equal. It is composed of three substances that naturally occur in our food. The first substance is aspartic acid, which is an endogenous amino acid. We can find it in seeds and plant and animal proteins. Aspartic acid, which makes up 40% of aspartame, is converted into asparagine, which fulfills important functions in our body as a neurotransmitter. It facilitates the flow of information between brain cells and affects the secretion of insulin, glucagon, and somatotropin. However, an excess of aspartic acid can cause damage to nerve cells. The second component is phenylalanine (50%), which is an exogenous amino acid necessary for the proper functioning of the organism. However, people with phenylketonuria should avoid products containing phenylalanine, as they cannot metabolize it. Its excess can lead to brain damage and mental disabilities. The third component is methanol (10%), which naturally occurs in fruits, but in aspartame is released as free alcohol. This can lead to the formation of formic acid and formaldehyde in the body, which are toxic. It is important not to heat products containing aspartame above 30 degrees Celsius, as this can lead to the release of methanol.

The consequences of consuming aspartame are diverse, but what's certain is that it's one of the most controversial sweeteners, and some sources say that it is responsible for causing cancer and should not be ingested by pregnant women under any circumstances because it can lead to birth defects and fetal damage, while others say it is harmless, except for those with phenylketonuria.

I permit myself to express my opinion on this matter. Aspartame is present in over 5,000 food products, including beverages, medicines, food items, chewing gum. All these products are highly processed and do not have a positive impact on our health, especially on our appearance. Therefore, I avoid anything that is processed. Regardless of whether aspartame is harmful in these products or not, there is no place for them in the diet of a health-conscious individual.