Some individuals have thought aspartame and MS were linked together, but researchers say aspartame and Multiple Sclerosis have no connection at all. The effects of aspartame have been talked about since the artificial sweetener hit the market shelves. False claims have also been made which said aspartame lead to MS or created symptoms similar to those experienced by MS patients. The American Council on Science and Health hope to squelch these myths and prevent them from being spread any further.
The MS-like symptoms aspartame was supposedly creating were vision problems, numbness in the legs, and dizziness. These accusations could be due to the reports made by a particular doctor who said he had diabetic patients that displayed a negative reaction to aspartame. A number of diabetics had vision and memory loss, as well as some confusion. This information was sent out to many individuals via mass email. However, after much testing and scrutinizing by the FDA, aspartame has been deemed safe for most people.
Rumors about aspartame causing MS symptoms could easily arise on accident. Individuals with an early form of MS could have had a sudden relapse during the same time they were trying a new product that contained aspartame. Since this artificial sweetener was a product the individuals were unfamiliar with, it could be the reason they suspected it to cause the relapse. In fact, symptoms come and go in MS patients, despite medications made especially for preventing relapses. Multiple Sclerosis is a curious disease researchers are still trying to unravel.
Aspartame and MS Symptoms can be Managed
MS patients generally don’t have an issue with products containing aspartame, unless they also have a condition known as PKU. This is a genetic metabolic disorder. People with phenylketonuria have to avoid products containing phenylalanine, which is a naturally occurring substance in foods rich in protein. Besides milk, eggs, meat, and other protein-rich foods, many diet foods and drinks, as well as medications contain phenylalanine. Aspartame is a common ingredient in food and drink products sold to dieters. This sugar-substitute causes the levels of phenylalanine in the brain to rise rapidly, thus increasing the risk of seizures, brain damage, or mental retardation in an individual with PKU.
Aspartame should also be avoided by anyone with a sleep disorder, a mental health condition, an anxiety disorder, or tardive dyskinesia. Medications containing levodopa or meds such as neuroleptics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors shouldn’t be mixed with products containing aspartame either. It’s best to ask a doctor for guidance when dealing with aspartame and MS for the best preventative measures to avoid a conflict between aspartame and Multiple Sclerosis symptoms.
