I wanted to warn my fellow diabetics about aspartame (NutraSweet, equal, spoonfull, etc) I loved pop and I drank almost a 12 pack a day. I became so ill while drinking diet drinks, but I didn't have any idea what was causing my problems. I could no longer walk very far. When I walked to my car in the drive way I would have to stop a rest 2 to 3 times to make it. I had extreme fatigue, extreme memory loss (I would forget easy words for things like "shirt"), I would suddenly lose my balance and stagger for no reason, I had blinding migrain headaches, and worst of all I had finally developed horrible pain in my body even my face. It was like having your hand in a vise and someone just continued to clamp down tighter. I had reached the place where I just moaned in constant pain. I never dreamed I would ever had my normal life back again. A friend sent me a article about aspartame and it's toxic effects. I stopped all forms of diet pop, food, whatever. After a few weeks, I thought I was getting better, but I was afraid it was wishful thinking. Five months later, I was walking Walmarts shopping again, I remember most words now although sometimes I have to think a few minutes first. After years of constant headaches, I rarely ever have any these days. But, best of all, the pain is gone!! I am about 98%pain free. All I changed in the 5 months was I didn't touch a drop of anything with aspartame in it. It goes under a lot of different brand names. Also, Monosodiumglutmate (MSG) is a nurotoxin that works just like aspartame in destroying nerve endings. So read your ingredients carfully. Aspartame can be listed as, "high frutose syrup" "certain numbers" "artifical flavoring" etc. Ever notice the number of electric carts that have popped up in stores for shoppers. Aspartame mimics MS, triggers diabeties, and so much more. There is no where near enough space here. Your quality of life may depend on your knowledge about aspartame.

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 12-30-2002).]

The whole aspartame/danger thing is a HOAX! Aspartame DOES NOT cause diabetes, nor does it cause MS.

If you feel as though it makes you sick; stop taking it.

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 12-30-2002).]

All Healthboards members are reminded to read and follow the board posting guidelines.

This is a peer support community. It is not a place for debates and arguments, or to promote a political agenda, or to impose your beliefs on others.

If you wish to disagree, state your opinion, respectfully, once, and move on.

The issue of aspartame has been covered many times on this and other message boards. There is plenty of information easily found through search engines.

Please write your posts in your own words.
Do not copy and paste from other websites.
Copyrights must be respected.

Members may post links to .edu and .gov websites.
Information only websites can be approved for posting by sending an email to the board moderator. Commercial links and message boards cannot be approved.

Thank you.

As a diabetic who still uses aspartame, I have suffered no ill effects from its use, as far as I can tell.

As with any substance, I'm sure a few people may actually be sensitive to it. However, even natural substances can be problematic for some people. For example, there are people who are very allergic to nuts, aspirin (which is made from a natural substance), cat dander, dogs, dust, etc. There are people whose fingers turn black when they wear gold rings. For any substance known to mankind, you could probably find some people who are either sensitive to it or truly allergic to it. That doesn't mean we whould eliminate the use of everything.

If you can trace your problems to aspartame, and they go away and do not return when you discontinue the use of aspartame, then you probably were allergic or sensitive to it. However, many thousands of people safely use aspartame with no ill side effects.

[This message has been edited by SamQKitty (edited 01-02-2003).]

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-02-2003).]

I have read where Aspertane may cause Neurpathy symptoms which I have already so I have discovered "Splenda". It is made from real sugar but no fat or calories. It is in Diet Rite products and not bad. Swiss Miss also has a hot chocolate drink with it in it. It satisfys my chocolate craving.

Paula,

I too experienced problems with Aspartame. Like you, I had no idea that was what caused my symptoms. I had extreme fatigue. I also had really bad headaches every day. The doctors didn't know what was wrong. I finally went to a nutritionist. I told her my symptoms and the first thing she said was "NO MORE ASPARTAME." I quit eating and drinking anything with Aspartame. The headaches went away almost immediately. The fatigue gradually got better. It took about two months to completely recover. Most people don't believe me when I talk about the dangers of Aspartame but I warn them anyway.

Cheri.

[This message has been edited by creinha (edited 02-13-2003).]

The Internet is a great place to find information on just about any subject that interests you. It is also "free speech" in it's purest form. An unfortunate side effect is that it has also resulted in the spread of a lot of misinformation and exagerations. When I first discovered the sites with the Aspartame toxicity warnings I was horrified. I continued to search and found more rational and reasoned discussions. For an unbiased discussion on this subject you should go to snopes.com. If you are suffering from the symptoms you described, you really should see your doctor. It is unlikely that Aspartame is causing any of them.