AminoSweet: The Deceptive Rebrand of Toxic Aspartame You Need to Know About

By GreenMedInfo Research Group

Imagine biting into your favorite “sugar-free” snack, confident you’re making a healthier choice, only to discover you’ve been unknowingly consuming a controversial artificial sweetener in disguise. This scenario is becoming increasingly common as aspartame, a synthetic sweetener with a troubled reputation, undergoes a deceptive makeover. Enter “AminoSweet” – a name designed to evoke images of natural, wholesome amino acids, while concealing a potentially dangerous chemical cocktail.

The Rebranding of a Controversial Sweetener

In 2010, Ajinomoto, one of the world’s largest aspartame producers, made a strategic decision to rebrand their aspartame product as “AminoSweet.”¹ This marketing move was clearly aimed at distancing the product from the negative associations many consumers have with aspartame. By emphasizing the amino acid components of aspartame – phenylalanine and aspartic acid – Ajinomoto attempted to present their product in a more natural, health-conscious light.

However, this rebranding effort does nothing to change the fundamental nature and potential risks of aspartame consumption. As Lisa Kilgour, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, explains: “In the case of AminoSweet, those amino acids are found in thousands of foods, not just the fruit they’ve chosen to brand with. However, combined those two amino acids on their own are a unique chemical structure.”²

The Science Behind the Sweetener

Aspartame, regardless of its new moniker, remains a synthetic compound created in a laboratory. It is composed of three main components:

1. Phenylalanine (50%)
2. Aspartic acid (40%)
3. Methanol (10%)

While phenylalanine and aspartic acid are indeed amino acids found naturally in many foods, it’s crucial to understand that their presence in aspartame is far from natural. The chemical bonds holding these components together create a compound that does not occur in nature and that the human body processes in unique – and potentially harmful – ways.

Hidden Dangers of Aspartame Consumption

A comprehensive review of the scientific literature on aspartame, compiled by GreenMedInfo.com, has uncovered a staggering 100 studies linking this synthetic compound to 77 distinct diseases and adverse health effects.³ From cancer to brain damage, the range and severity of aspartame’s potential toxicity is deeply concerning.

Top 10 Adverse Effects of Aspartame:

1. Carcinogenicity: Multiple studies have shown aspartame’s potential to induce various types of cancer, including brain tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias.^4,5
2. Neurotoxicity: Aspartame has been linked to brain damage, cognitive impairments, and neurological symptoms like migraines and seizures.^6,7
3. Endocrine Disruption: Recent research has found that aspartame intake delayed puberty onset in female rats and girls, suggesting it may interfere with normal hormonal development.⁸
4. Metabolic Syndrome: Contrary to its marketing as a weight-loss aid, aspartame may contribute to metabolic disorders and obesity.⁹
5. Gut Microbiome Disruption: Studies indicate that aspartame can alter gut bacteria composition, potentially leading to various health issues.¹⁰
6. Liver Damage: Long-term aspartame consumption has been associated with liver injury and oxidative stress.¹¹
7. Cardiovascular Issues: Some research suggests aspartame may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.¹²
8. Kidney Problems: Consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, including those with aspartame, has been linked to decreased kidney function.¹³
9. Mood Disorders: Aspartame consumption has been associated with increased risk of depression and other mood disturbances.¹⁴
10. Oxidative Stress: Several studies have shown that aspartame can induce oxidative stress throughout the body, potentially contributing to various health issues.¹⁵

Cancer Stem Cell Promotion

A particularly alarming recent study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that long-term exposure to aspartame may fuel aggressive cancer growth by promoting cancer stem cell populations.¹⁶ The researchers discovered that aspartame exposure significantly increased cancer stem cell populations in pancreatic cancer cells, enhancing their migration and invasion capacity. This suggests that while aspartame may not directly cause cancer, it could potentially worsen existing cancers by expanding populations of treatment-resistant cancer stem cells.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for Better Health

The rebranding of aspartame as AminoSweet serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer awareness and education. While artificial sweeteners may seem like an easy solution for reducing calorie intake, the potential long-term health risks may outweigh any short-term benefits.

By understanding the true nature of products like AminoSweet and making informed choices about our food and beverage consumption, we can take meaningful steps towards better health. Remember, when it comes to satisfying our innate desire for sweetness, nature often provides the best – and safest – solutions.

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References

1. Ajinomoto Group. “AminoSweet Aspartame.” Accessed September 13, 2024. https://www.ajinomoto.com/aboutus/aminosweet

2. Nature’s Fare Markets. “AminoSweet (formerly known as Aspartame).” Published June 2015. https://www.naturesfare.com/learn/aminosweet-formerly-known-as-aspartame/

3. GreenMedInfo. “Aspartame.” https://greenmedinfo.com/toxic-ingredient/aspartame. Accessed May 24, 2024.

4. Soffritti M, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2006;114(3):379-385. doi:10.1289/ehp.8711

5. Soffritti M, et al. Environ Health Perspect. 2007;115(9):1293-1297. doi:10.1289/ehp.10271

6. Humphries P, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008;62(4):451-462. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602866

7. Rycerz K, Jaworska-Adamu JE. Folia Neuropathol. 2013;51(1):10-17. PMID: 23553132

8. Lin CY, et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024;68(5):e2300270. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300270

9. Palmnäs MSA, et al. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109841. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109841

10. Suez J, et al. Nature. 2014;514(7521):181-186. doi:10.1038/nature13793

11. Finamor IA, et al. Redox Biol. 2017;11:701-707. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2017.01.019

12. Debras C, et al. BMJ. 2022;378:e071204. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-071204

13. Lin J, Curhan GC. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011;6(1):160-166. doi:10.2215/CJN.03260410

14. Walton RG, et al. Biol Psychiatry. 1993;34(1-2):13-17. doi:10.1016/0006-3223(93)90251-8

15. Prokić MD, et al. J Biosci. 2014;39(5):859-866. PMID: 25431414

16. Gezginci-Oktayoglu S, et al. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021;153:112264. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112264

The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.

Source: GreenMedInfo

This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2024
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