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Aspartame
Does aspartame
(Equal/NutraSweet) causes memory loss?
Several studies have raised the concern that taking this artificial
sweetener long-term
might cause memory problems (and others). The results are
mixed. We find studies that show it causes and doesn't cause memory
problems in rats. The recent studies show that it doesn't have
any effect on a person's memory.
For example, here are a small sample of
research studies:
- A
study done in rats showed that taking this artificial sweetener for 3
to 4 months did
cause some memory problems and an increase in receptors in the brain.
(Christain, 2004).
- A current study done in human red
blood cells showed that low doses of this artificial sweetener did not
affect the
cells but higher and toxic doses did. The researchers concluded that
these high or toxic doses could cause
learning and memory problems. (Tsakiris, 2006)
- One
study in 10 healthy volunteers showed no difference in side effects or
mental or memory performances compared to the placebo (sugar pill)
group (Lapierre, 1990).
- Another study showed that very
high doses of it did not have any effect on memory tasks
performed by rats. (Tilson, 1991).
Looking
over these and other results, it seems that the risk of
getting
memory problem from
taking aspartame could be possible but not likely. However, if you
consume lots of it over
long
periods of time, anything is possible.
Why
not try stevia, a natural
sweetener instead? It is natural and 200 to 300 times sweeter than
sugar. It has zero
calories and a clean sweet taste.
It has been in use in Japan for over 20 years (and many other
countries) and
finally received the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the
United States in December 2008.
Related topics that may be of
interest to you
Stevia
- The ultimate
natural sweetener? Get the full review.
Return
to FAQ List from
Aspartame
References
& FDA website
Revised:
November 12, 2009
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