I am an xx year old Middle School Counselor that works with youth ages 11-14 here in xxxxxxxx, New Mexico.
I see an average of 30 students a week in individual counseling sessions dealing with issues ranging from peer conflict, effects of family’s drug use (methamphetamines in particular), all the way to suicidal ideation and clinical depression.
The last two issues are the ones I would like to emphasize in this letter, as they deal directly with the effects of Aspartame ingestion.
Aspartame Suppresses the Levels of Serotonin in the Brain Serotonin is a naturally produced brain chemical that is necessary for healthy functioning and emotional well-being. We know that low levels of serotonin correlate with depression. When interviewing students on the circumstances surrounding their depressive symptoms, I inquire about the ingestion of sugar-free gum and diet sodas, both of which contain Aspartame.
9 times out of 10 the students indicate regular Aspartame ingestion. I inform them on the effects of Aspartame ingestion, and ask for them to discontinue use of products containing Aspartame. During follow-up, all complying students report a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
According to one recent report, 5 suicides have been linked to Aspartame ingestion.
Please do all you can to pave the path to ban Aspartame from our food, drinks, candy and gum. We must look out for the well-being of our unsuspecting youth (as well as others). It is our moral, ethical and legal obligation to do so. As a person of power within our governmental structure of our great state, please do your part to protect our citizens.