Headaches are the most common complaint of aspartame users. The following symptoms may be linked to aspartame, according to the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network Fact Sheet: headaches, stomach disorders, seizures, skin lesions, rashes, anxiety attacks, muscle cramping and joint pain, nausea, vertigo, insomnia, numbness, blurred vision, blindness and other eye problems, memory loss, slurred speech, depression, personality changes, hyperactivity, loss of energy, symptoms mimicking heart attacks, hearing loss and ear ringing, and loss or change of taste.
Americans are not the only people worried about the safety of aspartame. In 1988, the Mexican government issued a detailed warning to be put on diet sodas that contain aspartame. It states, “This product should not be consumed by individuals who are allergic to phenylalanine. Consumption by pregnant women and children under 7 is not recommended. Users should follow a balanced diet. Consumption by diabetics must be authorized by a physician.”
According to an article in Technology Review, “aspartame may actually stimulate appetite and bring on a craving for carbohydrates” An article in UtneReader claims, “researchers believe that any kind of sweet taste signals body cells to store carbohydrates and fats, which in turn causes the body to crave more food” Using an artificial sweetener does not seem to have any effect on weight loss or weight gain.