The Effects of Artificial Sweetener Gregory Guarino

Types of Artificial Sweetener Saccharin Aspartame Cyclamate Stevia Sucralose

Aspartame If you use equal, you are ingesting aspartame, as well as many other popular sweeteners. In 1981 it was approved by the FDA, but was under speculation. In 1996 it was suggested that it caused brain tumors, but an overall increase in the amount of tumors led to no clear conclusion. In the FDA’s eyes, it is still safe.

Cyclamate In 1969 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of cyclamate after findings in animals showed that it increased the risk of bladder cancer. It has now been found to be a carcinogen.

Saccharin Through animal studies, saccharin has also been found to be a factor in the development of bladder cancer. Many diet sodas contain saccharin.

Stevia Believe it or not, this substance can cause a change in genes! It is used in some dietary substances to do just that. It has been researched as a sweetening product, and has the capability to be 250 to 300 times sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose Sucralose is a synthetic chemical. It is made by combining three chlorine molecules and one sucrose molecule (glucose and fructose). Sucralose does not appear in nature and therefore is said to not be digested or metabolized. If you use Splenda, you are using Sucralose.

Aspartame Diagram

Saccharin Diagram

Cyclamate Diagram

Stevia Diagram

Sucralose Diagram

Health Risks of Aspartame Aspartame changes the ration of amino acids in the blood. This cause a blocking or lowering of serotonin, tyrosine and other chemical levels. This makes it hard to find symptoms on a lab test. Many side affects of aspartame are evident though.

Health Risks for Aspartame Breast Cancer-

Health Risks for Aspartame The amount of breast cancer patients rose after the introduction of aspartame. At one time the risk of getting breast cancer was one in fourteen, today it is one in eight.

Other Side Effects Eye- -blindness in one or both eyes -decreased vision and/or other eye problems such as: blurring, bright flashes, squiggly lines, tunnel vision, decreased night vision pain in one or both eyes decreased tears trouble with contact lenses bulging eyes

Other Side Effects Ear- -Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sound) -severe intolerance of noise Neurological -seizures -headaches and migraines -dizziness -sleepiness -numbness of limbs -hyperactivity -facial pain -tremors

Other Side Effects Psychological -depression -irritability -aggression -anxiety -personality changes -insomnia -phobias Chest -palpitations, tachycardia -shortness of breath -high blood pressure

Other Side Effects Gastrointestinal -nausea -diarrhea -abdominal pain -pain when swallowing Skin Allergies -itching -reactions in the lips and mouth -hives -allergies like asthma

Diseases Certain diseases can be acquired from aspartame: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Epstein-Barr Post-Polio Syndrome Lyme Disease Grave’s Disease Meniere’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease ALS Epilepsy MS EMS Hypothyroidism Fybromyalgia Lupus Lymphoma ADD and there are more rare diseases….

Sugar or….stuff Everyday we ingest sugar, and if you are like me aspartame. Out of all the artificial sweeteners, aspartame gets the most mention as being dangerous. I know after doing this report I am personally going to lay off the diet cokes a little bit. Ingesting any artificial sweetener could be dangerous. Drink water!!