Artificial sweeteners and your child’s health

The media always seems to be debating over the health effects of artificial sweeteners, and aspartame is most surely one of the most controversial food additives to ever receive approval by the FDA. Here at Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we try to provide you with the most up to date information on topics relating to the health of our patients and their loved ones. That is why we want to share with you a few facts that we recently learned in a Huffington Post article.

The many names of aspartame

Did you know that aspartame is now sold under many commercial names, including NutraSweet, Canderel, and AminoSweet? Yes, that’s right. When checking nutrition facts, it is important to keep an eye out for all of these ingredients! This sweetener can be found in diabetic foods, jams, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, soda, and even prescriptions and vitamins.

What’s so harmful about aspartame?

With over 10,000 official complaints, aspartame reactions are more commonly reported than that of all other food additives combined. Of these reports, two-thirds consist primarily of headaches, mood alterations, and hallucinations. Aspartame has also been linked to causing weight problems, the metabolism of amino acids, protein structure and metabolism, neuronal function and other primary functions.

How to treat your sweet tooth without the artificial sweets

Determining your nutritional type and the foods that your body craves is key to satisfying sugar cravings. The recommended fructose level is below 25 grams per day, which includes both natural and artificial sweeteners.

Next time you're in for an appointment, let us know if you have any questions about aspartame or on this article. As always, please remember to use a straw if you choose to sip soda, coffee, or other dark colored beverages to take care of that beautiful smile!