The Hidden Dangers of Aspartame

**Video Transcript**

What would you think if I said that it’s better to eat sugar than to use an artificial sweetener?

To find out what I mean by that, stick with me.

Understanding Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

A common class of additives used by the food industry are the “non-nutritive sweeteners”. That term refers to additives that sweeten the food but do not add calories to it. Aspartame is a prime example of these.

This sweetener has been sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal for decades, but aspartame has since been rebranded as “AminoSweet”. But don’t let the fancy new name fool you!

Aspartame is found in many “junk” foods like soda, candy, chewing gum, and ice cream. However, it’s also present in some so-called “healthy” options, including:

• Low-sugar fruit juice
• No sugar energy bars
• Sugar-free salad dressing
• Low-fat yogurt

Health Risks of Aspartame

Aspartame is a synthetic product that includes the amino acids phenylalanine  and aspartic acid. The main problem with this sweetener is what the body breaks it down into. The primary break-down product of aspartame is methanol, a substance known to be toxic to humans¹. Furthermore, methanol is converted by the body’s detox pathways into formaldehyde, a human neurotoxin and carcinogen².

Although the amounts of these toxins produced from a single serving of aspartame is likely to be low, regular consumption has not been well-tested for toxic effects in humans.

As well, people with a rare genetic disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot process phenylalanine and should definitely avoid aspartame.

But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for other people.

Another problem with non-nutritive sweeteners, like aspartame, is that their sweet taste tricks the brain into thinking it’s getting something sugary and it prepares accordingly. That’s why people often feel like they still want something sweet after having a food or beverage with aspartame in it. This fake sugar response taxes the pancreas and makes you more susceptible to developing diabetes.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Now, it is true that some fruits also contain small amounts of methanol. But why add to the body’s overall burden with a product, like aspartame, that offers no other health benefits? At least fruit contains vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

So, what’s the verdict? This sweetener is best bound for the rubbish bin.

Stick to small amounts of natural sugars like honey and maple syrup or eat fruit, like I mentioned, if you’re looking for something sweet. Keep it in moderation, of course, and watch out for a hidden food additive that may be present on some fruit. Check out my video on this potential toxin that could be hiding on your fruits and vegetables! The link is in the notes below.

Aspartame might be marketed as a way to “have your cake and eat it too”, but it’s not worth the cost to your health.

Thanks for listening! Please don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment.

I’m Dr. Pat Nardini. Keeping Your Wellness First.

1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methanol#section=Toxicity-Summary
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/

Until next time, this is Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, putting “Your Wellness First!”

If you have questions about naturopathic medicine, or you’d like to take your first step into the world of naturopathy, contact us at Nardini Naturopathic, and let’s book an appointment.