sweeties

Aspartame is found in many gums, diet drinks (e.g. diet pepsi), and other products. It is used as a sugar substitute to reduce the sugars and calories in the product. Aspartame’s chemical name is L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester.

Chemically, this compound is composed of the two amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine, as well as methanol. The two amino acids here, aspartic acid and phenylalanine are found naturally in foods containing protein, such as meats and dairy. L-phenylalanine combines with methanol to give the methyl ester of phenylalanine, which then reacts with aspartic acid forming the compound aspartame.

When aspartame is digested, it breaks back down to those 3 components (aspartic acid, phenyalanine, and methanol), which are then absorbed and used in the body. These components are used as if they came from food, but in much less quantity.

Many concerns arise with the topic of aspartame, for as long as I can remember, it was bad for you. I have read many articles stating it was bad for you and many stating it is not harmful.

Based on the synthesis of this compound, and its potential breakdown, I do not see how it is different than consuming the same substances in foods. However, I do think that harm with this compound begins with its breakdown. I think during its breakdown, it does not breakdown to those 3 components entirely. During the breakdown, the substances might react with enzymes in the stomach, causing a potential detrimental effect.

Here is an article I came by “supporting” the use of aspartame, who knows how credible,
apartame does not cause cancer in rats
We are not rats!

Sucralose (splenda), another highly debatable sugar substitute seems to be more popular. It is FDA approved and tastes like sugar, looks like sugar, but is not sugar. I wish I had the resources, technology, and experience to find out for myself the effects of these sugar substitutes but I do not, so I go with what my gut tells me.

My opinion, stay away from aspartame as much as possible, enjoy real sugar rushes, and fall back to sucralose if you have to. It is all a matter of moderation. I do not believe the amounts of these “sugars” and sugars are enough to kill someone if they consume the products. Maybe over many many many years, yes, your blood will turn into “sugar” but as long as its in moderation, I think you’ll be ok.

Now go enjoy a pixie stick, hopefully made up of real sugar and not a substitute, who knows nowadays!