Aspartame and Obesity-is There a Connection?

Often negative information appears in the media about aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

Some studies claim that artificial sweeteners prevent weight loss or cause weight gain. While those promoting artificial sweeteners may state these can be used to lose weight, the evidence promoted by others may be compelling.

Perhaps the rise in obesity in the United States and the increase in the use of artificial sweeteners is a coincidence. Many packaged foods contain aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. It may seem reading labels is all consumers would need to do to be protected from artificial sweeteners.Often food packages contain labels stating artificial sweeteners are included without saying what exactly the ingredient is. Also, manufacturers are allowed to list such phrases as 'and other flavorings' or 'flavoring agents.' These are products that those with allergies or gluten issues typically avoid.

Reports indicate reducing the use of aspartame and products that are illusive about contents may be the best choice to avoid obesity. Unfortunately, as obesity increases in the United States so does diabetes and cancer.

Consumers preferring to eliminate food items containing aspartame must read all packaging. It is common to find aspartame in cereals, gum, candy, frozen desserts and even vitamins. After learning aspartame is in most packaged foods it is not much of a surprise to find it is also in cough syrups, over-the-counter medications and in some prescription items.The Mayo Clinic points out on their site that the United States Food and Drug Administration approved aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in limited amounts. View the Mayo Clinic site to learn the amounts considered safe by the FDA by using their link below this article. The amounts are very generous, and those critical of the use of artificial sweeteners would not agree with these measurements.

Many may question why aspartame is on the market if it is harmful to humans. However, many food items are on the market that are thought to be health hazards by some wary individuals. Consumers are encouraged to do the research needed to determine if artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and other products should be on their menu.

Sources:

Mercola

Sweet Poison

Mayo Clinic