Aspartame

Aspartame has been proven to be 160 to 220 times sweeter then real sugar This synthetic chemical is commonly known as NutraSweet or Equal. Over half of the U.S. population currently consumes it. Aspartame came onto the market in 1981, and has accounted for more then half of all the complaints that the FDA receives each year. Aspartame was accidentally discovered in 1965 by a chemist trying to develop an ulcer drug. The FDA earlier then 1981 did not approve it because it had been tested with animals that eventually contracted brain tumors and had seizures. Eventually the FDA caved into the political and money making scheme. Since it's release it has been supported by few and condoned by many. "The dangers of aspartame include headache, dizziness, poor equilibrium, confusion, impaired or double vision, convulsions, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, tremors, extreme fatigue, motor and sensory disturbances affecting the limbs, and other neuropsychiatry complaints" (Blaylock 4). The most common ways to be exposed to Aspartame are through "diet" soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, and sugar-free gums. Unfortunately, another tragic problem has been neglected: addiction to aspartame products. When people realize that aspartame might be hurting them they try to stop and they then suffer from with-drawl affects. The FDA to this day still supports its decision to keep making aspartame and continues to do so. While researching this topic I found it very hard to find any concrete evidence that aspartame is harmful to your health. I found several internet articles that were against the sale and use of aspartame. I also found books at the library that gave scientific proof that aspartame was not safe to eat. Granted that there are two sides to every story, I will give evidence from both sides of the spectrum. In this project, this paper will examine both sides of the aspartame issue. Then the paper will discuss why the FDA should take Aspartame out the