Aspartame is a artificial sweetener that has been used in foods and beverages for over 30 years. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar and has zero calories. Aspartame is made up of three amino acids: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol.
The safety of aspartame has been the subject of much debate. Some studies have suggested that aspartame may be linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, seizures, and brain tumors. However, these studies have been criticized for their methodology and have not been replicated by other researchers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that aspartame is safe for most people when consumed in moderation. The FDA’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame is 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) per day. This means that a 150-pound person could consume up to 2,300 milligrams of aspartame per day without any adverse health effects.
However, there are some people who should avoid aspartame, including:
- People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down phenylalanine.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children under the age of 4.
If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, you can talk to your doctor. You can also choose to consume foods and beverages that are sweetened with other artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose or saccharin.
Here are some of the potential side effects of aspartame:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomachache
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
Did Donald Rumsfeld have a vested interest in Aspartame
Yes, Donald Rumsfeld did have a vested interest in aspartame. He was a board member of Searle & Company, the pharmaceutical company that developed aspartame. He also owned stock in Searle.
In 1970, the FDA approved aspartame for use in dry foods. However, in 1974, the FDA reversed its decision after concerns were raised about the safety of aspartame. Rumsfeld and other Searle executives lobbied the FDA to reinstate the approval of aspartame. In 1981, the FDA approved aspartame for use in carbonated beverages.
Rumsfeld’s involvement in Searle and his ownership of aspartame stock have led to accusations that he played a role in the FDA’s approval of aspartame. However, there is no evidence to suggest that Rumsfeld acted improperly. The FDA’s approval of aspartame was based on scientific evidence, and Rumsfeld was not involved in the agency’s decision-making process.
Despite the controversy surrounding aspartame, it remains one of the most popular artificial sweeteners in the world. It is used in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including diet sodas, chewing gum, and desserts.