There are people who are affected or are sensitive to any of the artificial products on the market. Remember the MSG hype. Yes, those who are sensitive have a drastic reaction. But the majority have no problem at all. Many of the people who have problems with Aspartame are those with PKU and can't process it. One review I read found that there are over 6000 internet sites with scare warnings on artificial sweeteners, none of which have documented proof of their claims. The FDA, and scientific research groups have studied these things more than most any other edible product on the market and still, except in isolated cases, don't find any problems.
Here's a bit from the American Council on Science and Health:
"Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested substances in the U.S. food supply. Numerous authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the FAO/WHO, the European Community, and the American Medical Association have concluded that aspartame is a safe product, except in the rare cases of phenylketonuria. For more information on aspartame, please refer to ACSH's peer-reviewed booklet Low Calorie Sweeteners. And beware of Internet health hoaxes. "
This is the link to the full article.
www.acsh.org/healthissues/newsID.265/healthissue_detail.aspBut if you are someone who actually has a reaction to these products then by all means don't use them. Being insulin dependent diabetic I do use Splenda and on occasion Equal. I don't have any problems from either one. There are times I don't have any for long periods and see no change so for me I'll keep using them.
Below are other links on the web sites and emails that are declaring these products unsafe and 'killers'.
Just my opinion here...
Chutz
www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/aspartame.aspurbanlegends.about.com/library/blasp.htm