Aspartame
Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is used in many foods and beverages because it is 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Commonly Used in:
Artificial Sweetners
Candy
Chewing Gum
Diet Soda
Soft Drinks
Sugar Free Ice-cream
Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is used in many foods and beverages because it is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Controversy has surrounded Aspartame since its creation in the 1980s. Side effects have been linked to those with phenylketonuria (a rare genetic disorder in which the body can’t break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods). The acceptable daily intake (ADI) recommendations from the FDA and EFSA are:
FDA: 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight
EFSA: 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight
If you want to avoid Aspartame, check all labels on food and drinks and try using honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, fruit juice, blackstrap molasses as a natural sweetener.