What are the side effects of aspartame?
https://ift.tt/2yJLWFp Despite its extensive use and popularity, aspartame has become a source of controversy in recent years with several studies claiming the sweetener has adverse side effects. In this article, we look at the most recent evidence, regarding the safety of aspartame. We also investigate how it might affect weight, appetite, and certain medical conditions. How safe is aspartame?
In the United States, aspartame is marketed as Equal and Nutrasweet.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame for use in food and drink back in 1981. Agencies in Europe, Canada, and many other countries also approve its use. Furthermore, the following authorities endorse it:
In 2013, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a review of hundreds of studies looking into the effects of aspartame. The EFSA ruled aspartame safe for human consumption and set an acceptable daily intake or ADI of aspartame at 40 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. The EFSA's ADI for aspartame is 10 mg less than that deemed to be safe by the FDA. However, the amounts set by both the EFSA and the FDA are far more than most people consume in a day. A can of diet soda, for example, contains only about 190 mg of aspartame. A person would have to consume more than 19 cans of soda to reach the ADI limits. Effects on body weightAspartame contains 4 calories per gram (g), similar to sugar. It is, however, around 200 times sweeter than sugar. This multiple means only a tiny amount of aspartame is needed to sweeten foods and drinks. It is widely thought to help promote weight loss for this reason. By contrast, a 2017 review of the latest research found no evidence that the low-calorie sweeteners aspartame, sucralose, and stevioside, were effective for weight management. Some studies that monitored participants over several years found that increased body weight and waist circumference were associated with regular intake of these sweeteners. Participants in some studies showed increased body mass index (BMI) as well. BMI is used to decide if a person is a healthy weight or not, with a higher BMI being associated with greater incidence of metabolic disease. Furthermore, the 2017 review found studies that suggested those who consumed sweeteners regularly might be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Effects on appetite
Studies suggest that sweeteners may increase appetite.
One way aspartame and other nonnutritive sweeteners may affect body weight is by increasing people's appetite, which may lead to increased food consumption. A 2013 review published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism cites several animal studies that report a link between regular intake of nonnutritive sweeteners and increased food intake. The review suggests sweeteners may increase appetite by disrupting the signaling process that usually occurs when foods with more calories are eaten. Sweet tastes typically signal to the body that food is entering the gut. The body then expects to receive calories and signals when eating should stop by making a person feel full or satiated. The same sweet taste is experienced when sweeteners are consumed, but the body receives far fewer calories than it might otherwise expect to. If this happens regularly, according to the theory, the body unlearns the association between sweet tastes and calories. This reversal means that calorific foods or foods high in calroies will no longer trigger feelings of fullness, which may lead to overeating. Further research on human participants is needed to better understand the link between aspartame consumption and appetite control. Effects on metabolismThe same process that may disrupt appetite control could also predispose a person to certain metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, according to the 2013 review. Because the body no longer expects calorie intake in response to sweet tastes, it may be ill-equipped to deal with dietary sugars when they do arrive in the gut, according to this view. A later review from 2016 further discusses the link between low-calorie sweeteners and metabolic disease. It suggests that regular, long-term intake of sweeteners may disrupt the balance and diversity of bacteria living within the gut. Animal studies show that this type of disruption can result in glucose intolerance, which is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. A study from 2016 investigated the effects of certain sugars and sweeteners on people's glucose tolerance. Aspartame was associated with greater glucose intolerance among those with obesity. None of the sugars and sweeteners tested, however, had any negative effect on people of a healthy weight. These studies suggest that regular intake of aspartame could increase the risk of glucose intolerance, particularly in people who may already be overweight. Other associated risksNews reports over the last few decades have claimed that aspartame causes or increases the risk of: There is insufficient scientific evidence, however, to confirm or refute claims of aspartame's involvement in any of the above. Who should avoid aspartame?People with the following conditions should avoid aspartame: PhenylketonuriaPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder that increases levels of the essential amino acid known as phenylalanine in the blood. Because people with PKU are unable to metabolize phenylalanine properly, they are advised to avoid or limit its intake from food and drink. Phenylalanine is one of three compounds that make up aspartame. However, aspartame provides significantly lower amounts of phenylalanine than everyday food sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. People with PKU need to monitor all dietary sources of phenylalanine to avoid toxic levels. Because of this, all products containing phenylalanine in the U.S. are labeled. Tardive dyskinesiaTardive dyskinesia or TD is a neurological disorder that causes sudden, uncontrollable jerking movements of the face and body. It is most often caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Some research on causes of TD suggests phenylalanine may trigger the muscle movements that characterize TD. Products containing aspartame
Diet soda may contain aspartame.
Many foods and drinks that are labeled 'sugar-free' may contain some form of artificial sweetener. Aspartame is likely to be found in the following:
Aspartame is also used to make certain medications more palatable. Examples of medications that may include aspartame are laxatives and chewable vitamin supplements. Alternatives to aspartameThose wishing to limit their intake of aspartame can try an alternative natural sweetener from the list below:
Although the above options may be preferred to aspartame, they should only be used in small amounts. They can be high in calories, similarly to sugar, with little or no nutritional value. Excessive amounts can also cause tooth decay. TakeawayThere is still much controversy surrounding the safety of aspartame despite approval from authorities around the world. Recent scientific evidence suggests that regular, long-term intake of aspartame and other low-calorie sweeteners may have negative effects on weight management, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm these findings. There is little evidence to suggest that occasional consumption of aspartame is detrimental to health for those who are of a healthy weight. For those with obesity, however, regular consumption of low-calorie sweeteners may increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc June 26, 2018 at 12:46PM
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The Flat Belly FixThis is the only 21-day rapid weight loss system that allows you to easily lose an average of 1 lb a day for 21 days without feeling hungry or deprived. The unique and brand new techniques used in this System are proven SAFE. And they do not cause the rebound weight gain common to all the other rapid weight loss systems that are not backed by the latest science. The Flat Belly Fix System takes advantage of a recent scientific discovery that proves the effective weight loss power of an ancient spice. Combined with other cutting-edge ingredients in the patent-pending Flat Belly Fix Tea™ — that you can make right in your own kitchen in minutes — this System is the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable way to quickly get the body you desire and deserve. Click HereArchives
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