Which drinks have aspartame

So have food safety authorities, like the U. However, if you have the rare hereditary disorder phenylketonuria PKU , you should strictly limit your intake of phenylalanine. This is a common amino acid found in aspartame. If we use aspartame, we say on our bottles and cans that there is phenylalanine so please check closely.

We use aspartame in some of our products, including [Diet Coke and Coke Zero], because we know that many people want the choice of great tasting beverages with less sugar and fewer calories. Depending on where you are in the world, we use either high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar to give you that refreshing taste you love. Together, they create a great taste with zero sugar and zero calories.

That's a savings of 28 calories, which may not sound like much, but those calories can add up fast. One ounce can of regular cola contains nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar and calories, while a ounce can of diet cola sweetened with aspartame has zero teaspoons of sugar and only 7 calories. While it may seem as though aspartame is a clear winner as far as calories and sweetening, it's not without controversy.

Do a quick search of the internet, and you may find reports linking the artificial sweetener to headaches and dizziness , as well as cancer. Despite the fear-mongering, aspartame is one of the most studied artificial sweeteners on the market, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians , with more than studies finding no evidence of harmful effects. The National Cancer Institute concurs that there are no links between aspartame and increased risk of cancer.

An October epidemiological review study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology , which included data from the Nurses Health Study , participants and the Health Professionals Follow Up Study 51, participants , also noted no links between aspartame and cancer or heart conditions, as well as no link with preterm labor that occurs in pregnant women. The only group that needs to avoid foods with aspartame and drinks with aspartame are those people with the rare inherited disorder called phenylketonuria PKU.

People with this condition lack the enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, one of the two amino acids found in aspartame. They must limit their intake of foods that contain this amino acid or risk serious health consequences such as irreversible brain damage. In addition to foods with aspartame, people with PKU are also advised to limit their intake of foods high in protein, such as milk, nuts, eggs, poultry and red meat.

Aspartame is found in a number of sugar-free food products , including:. The artificial sweetener is also used to add a touch of sweetness to medications, such as cough drops, as well as chewable or gummy vitamins.

While there are many foods with aspartame, the artificial sweetener isn't found in baked goods. The amino acid structure of aspartame isn't stable when heated and loses some of its sweetness during the baking process. You can also buy aspartame in bulk or packets and use it as you would regular sugar to sweeten your coffee, tea or lemonade. You can also sprinkle it on your grapefruit, oatmeal or bowl of berries for a little touch of sweetness without the calories or the sugar.

Despite being lower in calories and sugar-free, it's not all good news when it comes to aspartame and your health. More specifically, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners may not be a friend to your waistline. Excessive amounts can also cause tooth decay. There is still much controversy surrounding the safety of aspartame, despite approval from authorities around the world. Recent scientific evidence suggests that regular, long-term intake of aspartame and other low-calorie sweeteners may have negative effects on weight management, but more rigorous research is necessary to confirm these findings.

There is little evidence to suggest that occasional consumption of aspartame is detrimental to health for those who are of a healthy weight. For those with obesity, however, regular consumption of low-calorie sweeteners may increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Learn how to work out how many calories are burned per day, including specific totals for different types of activities and exercises.

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In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the practice of "clean eating," and why this concept has been a controversial one for researchers. What are the side effects of aspartame? How safe is it? Body weight Appetite Metabolism Associated risks Who should avoid it?

Products Alternatives Takeaway Aspartame is a widely used, low-calorie, artificial sweetener and one of the most popular sugar substitutes in low-calorie food and drinks, including diet sodas. How safe is aspartame? Effects on body weight. Effects on appetite. Share on Pinterest Studies suggest that sweeteners may increase appetite.

Effects on metabolism. Other associated risks. Who should avoid aspartame? Products containing aspartame. Share on Pinterest Diet soda may contain aspartame.

Alternatives to aspartame. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.