Aspartame was previously used by Pepsi as a sugar substitute in a lot of their sugar-free products. However, a lot of myths surrounding the aspartame eventually led to its replacement by a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
The first of these myths is that the consumption of aspartame and any product which contains can greatly heighten the risk if not directly cause cancer. This is not true. In fact, an article from the American Cancer Society shows two studies with results that show no direct evidence linking aspartame to cancer. The U.S. FDA also says there is no reason to be afraid of consuming aspartame.
Another myth is that aspartame is dangerous to consume if you suffer from diabetes. However, this is not the case. Aspartame does not contain any calories in the amount it is regularly used. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, it is safe to consume by diabetics as it does not increase blood glucose levels nor cause weight gain. This also squashes the third myth that aspartame can cause rapid and noticeable weight gain.
The fourth myth is that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume aspartame no matter what happens. The U.S. FDA and the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Association believe otherwise, however. Both of them state that it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume the sugar substitute in question. The only exception to this rule is that if the child being breastfed has a disease known as phenylketonuria.
Lastly, there is also the myth that continuous consumption of aspartame can lead to illnesses such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. The National Parkinson Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Lupus Foundation of America have all concluded that the consumption of aspartame is not related to any of those diseases. And that they have existed long before aspartame was first used.
