Category Archives: Aspartame Anti-Testimonials

Hi, I’m new to this list, and I’m sorry if this has already made the rounds, but I feel it is too important NOT to say anything.  I’m 40 y/o f, and have suffered migraines since teens.  My grandfather had … Continue reading →

After approximately 10 years of being addicted to Diet Coke, and suffering of migraine headaches which got progressively worse, to daily migraine’s, someone suggested I stop drinking Diet Coke, and guess what!  No more daily headaches.  Since, I have found … Continue reading →

What can you tell us about “Aspartame” and its effect on beta-sites and possibly calcium channels?  Or does it just mess with midbrain receptor sites?    My blood pressure has dropped fifteen points in the last week and a half, just … Continue reading →

I have a friend with panic attacks the Mayo clinic discovered thru elimination that it was NutraSweet!!! As soon as she stopped with the diet drinks and using Equal and other things made with NutraSweet. The attacks went away for … Continue reading →

I have to relate my experience.  I had never been bothered with very bad headaches until we had been using the product instead of sugar for several months.  I was having debilitating headaches until I stopped using Equal to sweeten … Continue reading →

But then there are those of us who are allergic to NutraSweet. It makes my mouth numb and therefore sends me into a hell of a PA (Panic Attack). My throat sometimes gets involved and headaches are then added on … Continue reading →

I believe that I have suffered some of the effects of Aspartame after being a Diet Coke drinker for over 12 years.  It began with symptoms of insomnia and then severe joint pain.  I am currently being treated for rheumatoid … Continue reading →

As promised, I have enclosed my case history about Aspartame and intend to give the information about it to my rheumatologist when I see him in the new year. In order to give a complete chronicle of my Aspartame problems … Continue reading →

My mother had complained for some time about aches in her joints or muscles when she would exert herself at all.  After she read that email, she quit Aspartame, and her problem disappeared.  My friend also had problems, with vision … Continue reading →

Back in 92 I was on a diet, and consuming sugar free bubblegum, a lot, and my vision started going out, I mean completely to black for about 2 minutes at a time.  It was extremely scary, and my people … Continue reading →

I read in great detail the postings on the warnings against consuming Aspartame, or “Equal”.  I just didn’t understand why I was putting on weight.  I was blaming it on the Seattle winters, it was the large consumptions of equal … Continue reading →

I’m amazed that there aren’t more posts regarding NutraSweet. I drank a lot of the stuff plus all the extras (gum, puddings, ice, etc.) thinking that it was safe. WRONG! I had vision problems, neuropathy, and pains in my shoulders, … Continue reading →

I am a type II diabetic diagnosed less than three years.  Yesterday, suddenly, I am having trouble with my right eye.  I cannot imagine how anything comes on so fast.  Yes, I do use NutraSweet, and I would like some … Continue reading →

My right eye is much better, although there are still floaters.  They are somewhat faded.  The flashes are gone.   Of course, no more NutraSweet headaches.  Did you know that at the initial diabetes classes at the hospital, Aspartame is encouraged, … Continue reading →

I too used to consume sodas with NutraSweet.  I used to get headaches, severe mood swings, etc.  I finally figured out where it was coming from: NutraSweet.  Then I researched and information made me believe even more so this was … Continue reading →

I’ve been staying away from Aspartame for a while now, ever since I found myself experiencing incredible periods of depression for absolutely no reason (other than the fact that I was constantly drinking Diet Coke!). Fortunately, my grandmother gave me … Continue reading →

I got diagnosed with FM (Fibromyalgia) about 2 years ago after I was in a bad auto accident.  I’d love advice on how to deal with the chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances, and achiness in the morning.  I’ve already read … Continue reading →

I also suffered from Aspartame poisoning From June of 1995 to June of 1996 I was using about 3 1/2 pkgs of Equal per day.  During this year I suffered from diarrhea (all the time), painful sore eyes, two blackouts … Continue reading →

Aspartame Anti-Testimonials© #530 – Vision Problems Dr. Roberts just wrote a paper on Aspartame and the Eye that I have available on email Could you please forward this article to me? I need it to forward to my ophthalmologist. Several … Continue reading →

I know people who have no reactions to the above products whatsoever; however, if I ingest anything that contains these products, I get violently ill, ranging (depending on the quantity ingested) from hives and headaches to anaphylactic shock. I, for … Continue reading →

My daughter got a seizure when she had diet orange soda.  It was a grand mal one. I now do not allow her to have NutraSweet, or MSG. Is there a chemical test that can be performed on food to … Continue reading →

It has been noted that there have been some studies to suggest that large amounts of NutraSweet can possibly increase your appetite. Usually I’m in the sack and sawing wood by 8:00, but last night I stayed up till 11 … Continue reading →

First, it’s my opinion that considering the FDA’s track record of late, that you not rely heavily upon their judgment, for now at least. I’m sure you read the same article many of us have that exists on the internet. … Continue reading →

I’ll add my 2 cents here:  I personally know one woman who was hospitalized with a severe headache that wouldn’t go away.  After all the testing to rule out tumors, etc., he doctors finally discovered that her problem was caused … Continue reading →

I only add to this thread because I blame NutraSweet for a symptom haven’t seen mentioned yet.  NutraSweet makes me stupid.  I’ll try to remember something that I know I know – and I know is there in my head … Continue reading →

I have avoided NutraSweet for nine years now. My symptoms were not as dramatic as some mentioned, merely headaches. Sort of sore eye/thudding headaches every second day or so. Since I was 16 and taking a lot of exams. I … Continue reading →

Any time I eat or drink anything which contains Aspartame, I get an instant, violent migraine which will last for up to 12 hours despite medication. My neurologist says that this is not uncommon.

NutraSweet gives me nasty cramps, so I don’t use it at all.

I am a nutritionist who has had physical problems due to consumption of Aspartame.  In 1989 I made the connection between the consumption of Aspartame and gastro-intestinal symptoms, including pain, gas and bloating.  This was discovered by a diary of … Continue reading →

I used to be in the same boat. I started drinking Diet Coke since it first came out with NutraSweet. I liked the Taste (that kind of burning, lots of carbonation taste). In the past few years, I was drinking … Continue reading →

The NutraSweet/epilepsy connection is not nonsense — it has been well documented both scientifically and anecdotally. If I consumed over 16oz/day of anything containing NutraSweet, my normally, controlled grand mal seizures return with a vengeance.

I am the Director of the Children’s Health and Nutritional Aid Foundation. Our goal is to teach parents and children as well as schools to make correct food choices as well as nutritional awareness. Yes, the rumor is correct.  NutraSweet … Continue reading →

It’s easy to ignore reality, if that is what you choose to do, Bill.  I have been a research chemist for 40+ years, and have been working in the position of a senior principal research scientist for many years.  I … Continue reading →

I have also found drinking things with NutraSweet increases the chance I will suffer chest pain and headaches. This really sucks because I, not unlike models and lab rats, have developed a taste for the stuff.

Would you like my doctor bills? I loved my caffeine-free Diet Cokes – had to have 3 or 4 every day. Then one day, I ended up in the emergency room (Caffeine-Free Diet Coke in hand) with major heart disturbances. … Continue reading →

I used to drink Diet Coke by the gallon, and would suffer these monster migraine-type headaches lasting for days at a time. My boss mentioned reading that there can be a connection between such headaches and NutraSweet. I was grasping … Continue reading →

Several winters ago my wife was having headaches, and she didn’t know what was causing them.  Then we got a cold spell, and she stopped drinking iced tea – it’s popular down here even in the winter – but during … Continue reading →

I am growing to believe the Aspartame critics are right.  In whole or in part I can’t say, but my own personal experience, and stories I’m hearing from others, is getting too hard to ignore. My wife and I both … Continue reading →

In reading : Aspartame: :”What you don’t know can hurt you”, I remembered an experience with this substance a few years ago, It really wasn’t until this year I through independent research, I could link my own medical problems and … Continue reading →

NutraSweet breaks down into BAD things in your body!! In my case, it breaks down into migraines.

My mother, a faithful PD’er, tells me you have info on Aspartame (NutraSweet). Since I stopped using it, I have not had a single migraine headache, which I have had since I was 13 years old.  Will you share your … Continue reading →

You certainly have permission to use my “story”, although I don’t know how much of a story it really is. I stopped using NutraSweet and products containing Aspartame about 2 months ago. I have hypoglycemia and ADD and also have … Continue reading →

I am doing much better now that I am off of NutraSweet (which has been about 6 months).  The one or two times that I have had NutraSweet in that period (such as in a non-sugar latte), I have experienced … Continue reading →

Yes, I got it to work and downloaded several reports.  Thanks to your effort, my family is now Aspartame free.  We have noticed numerous benefits including better memory and less fatigue. Two weeks ago, I accidentally got a can of … Continue reading →

I am not related to the sugar industry in anyway, but I am definitely anti-NutraSweet.  Now if a person has diabetes then fine, it is an okay substitute, but it causes migraines, gas, diarrhea, uncontrollable shaking and weakness in me … Continue reading →

Most definitely, Aspartame in anything triggers my worst headaches, especially at certain time of month.  MSG is second worst culprit, followed by pickled or brine-packed foods.

Two cans of Diet Pepsi raised my BG (blood glucose) from 121 to 309, and held it there for 7 hours. Weirdest thing that was the only time I’ve had 4 widely spaced tests come out at EXACTLY the same … Continue reading →

I know in my case, NutraSweet has been known to cause migraines.  I have always tried to stay away from the stuff myself, but with getting under control, there is not a whole lot out there anymore.

I can’t have anything diet without a migraine attack lasting several days. The last time was a piece of gum with NutraSweet.  I was in bed 2 days.  I’d say there’s a link, but that’s based only on my own … Continue reading →

If that’s the case, remind not to make a banana milkshake, because I’m allergic to the stuff.  I get the nastiest migraine from it in any quantities over that contained in a stick of gum.  Might as well put me … Continue reading →

Yeah, I’ve heard that NutraSweet has long been considered a cause of headaches as well as other things. I also have the suspicion that MSG makes me headache prone too. Could this be possible? Both are major triggers for me.  … Continue reading →

I can play ‘psychic’ now with people who use lots of it by describing their symptoms to them without asking. I stopped using it because I needed to remember my home phone number.  But that’s just another blip on the … Continue reading →

It was difficult to get him to initially quit.  But he finally decided to stop drinking diet soft drinks (and all other Aspartame tainted stuff) after his symptoms worsened.  His doctor was about to prescribe him all sorts of wonderful … Continue reading →

I’ve been interested in the Aspartame thing since its introduction. While I’m not the person who brought the subject up, I did respond (stroke, blindness, etc.). I recognized the problem the first time (only time) I ingested it – I … Continue reading →

You should watch the Aspartame in the DIET drinks.  Since giving up Diet Pepsi, my chronic UTI (bladder infections) are gone!!!  I do drink regular Pepsi now with no problems.

Being off Aspartame has made me feel so much better. Now when I am shopping I actually take the time to read the contents / ingredients labels. If it’s Aspartame it’s back on the shelf – soft drinks and squashes … Continue reading →

I was diagnosed about two years ago. In that time my most persistent and consistent symptom has been muscle spasms. These got to be so bad that I couldn’t sleep at all and could barely walk. In my search for … Continue reading →

I, too, have strong reactions — blazing headache, dizziness, irritability after consuming Aspartame (NutraSweet).  Best reason I know of to remain a sucrose abuser!

A colleague of mine gave me a paper prepared by you which discussed the effects of Aspartame. It was a real eye-opener, and really highlighted just how ignorant the mass of the general public is about the toxins we readily … Continue reading →

I have a spastic colon. I find that fruit juice or cider irritates it. Also recently I’ve been drinking diet 7up with NutraSweet and it seems it gives me a lot of gas and diarrhea after I drink it.

NutraSweet is horrible!!  After drinking it for years, I finally realized it was the cause of intense migraine headaches and short term memory loss.

Thanks for asking.  My wife and I both quit drinking diet anything and actually threw out some cooking stuff that had Aspartame in it, and now after 8 weeks+, we both feel much better, have more energy and memory has … Continue reading →

A few years ago I decided to lose a few pounds. So I watched my fat and cut out the sugar.  I bought diet Jell-O, soda, etc. and it all contained Aspartame. Within a week I started having headaches, my … Continue reading →

I was recently very pleased to find that I could purchase DHEA troches here in Sydney Australia. What I need to know is- what do they make the actual troche from. Mine is very green and has a very strong … Continue reading →

I stay away from diet soda due to the fact I react negatively to the aspartame and/or NutraSweet. (Are they the same)?  Anyway, those give me a headache so I stay away from it in all products.

I have totally eliminated my migraine headaches by eliminating Aspartame from my diet.

I remember when NutraSweet first came out.  I liked it and started using it. I drank diet sodas (a couple each day) and used it in my coffee.  After a year I became mysteriously ill.  I had headaches and was … Continue reading →

I recently stopped using anything with caffeine and NutraSweet (Aspartame) in it.  I am happy to tell you I HAVE noticed a difference in my anxiety levels. It took a few days for the effects to start, and perhaps for … Continue reading →

I missed the original post, but this is an interesting subject.  For a long time while “dieting” I used to get really bad headaches and just passed it off to stress, hunger, whatever.  I finally came to realize that they … Continue reading →

My son loves popsicles.  His favorite was orange until I moved him to sugar free and then he got hooked on Dole!  We finally had to take them away all together — between the NutraSweet and the food coloring, he … Continue reading →

I had a problem with dry eyes, very thick mucous tears, etc. for quite some time.  My doctor (and my eye doctor) mentioned allergies and getting older, but didn’t really help.  Then I read in some holistic publication that Aspartame … Continue reading →

Back in the early ’80s I was a bit of a Diet Pepsi fiend – probably consuming 4 to 6 cans a day at work.  One day I was in the John reading the newspaper when I noticed a odd … Continue reading →

Is there a link between diet soft drinks and migraines? I have definitely found a relationship between Aspartame and my headaches. I have eliminated diet sodas, etc. from my diet and found some improvement.

NutraSweet is murder for me!  I tried to start drinking diet/caffeine free cokes, and developed terrible headaches almost on a daily basis. I can use saccharine in my ice tea w/o any problems, but NutraSweet is a major trigger.

I also stopped drinking diet soda and anything with NutraSweet in it a few years back.  Within a few weeks there was a noticeable difference. I stopped feeling shaky and sick all of the time and the panic and anxiety … Continue reading →

I can’t help with the aggression, but as far as the itchy back goes, several members of my family had this and a medical friend suggested the removal of NutraSweet and other artificial sweeteners. And it worked!   No more itchy … Continue reading →

I am feeling better; in fact I haven’t felt this good in years! Thanks for the concern.  I ended up going in the hospital for 2 weeks.  The week before I went into the hospital I weighed 378 lbs on … Continue reading →

I broke my hip in 1975 and the doctor told me to expect the onset of arthritis.  Four years later I had severe neck pains that became a stifling dull ache.  The VA hospital diagnosed me with osteoarthritis in the … Continue reading →

I took the “no Aspartame test” some ten years ago now after hearing that it caused headaches and depression.  I was in the middle of a major depressive episode, and had been drinking some 6-8 Diet Cokes per day (I … Continue reading →

I agree with you 🙂 I am one who gets seizures from Aspartame and I am also chemically injured from formaldehyde. I cannot use this artificial sweetener as per my medical situation and Drs orders.

For years I have been wary of NutraSweet and products containing Aspartame. Me and my father managed to convince my mother that NutraSweet was responsible for her aching legs and migraines. Since she quit, the aching in her legs has … Continue reading →

I don’t mean to be an information pig, but could you please send me all of the articles you mentioned in your message board posting?  I am new to this board, and I was just passing through on my way … Continue reading →

I quit using Aspartame about a month ago because I was experiencing fuzzy headaches, memory loss, and word poverty in my speech, along with chronic fatigue. Some of the symptoms occurred immediately after drinking diet cola. I am feeling much … Continue reading →

NutraSweet is anything BUT natural.  In addition to potentially causing headaches it can also induce asthma attacks along with a host of other problems.  Also, it really hasn’t been studied for “long term” effects.  I was having headaches which ceased … Continue reading →

I sometimes get headaches from Aspartame and therefore will avoid it, but also it tastes absolutely terrible (bitter) to my mouth.  I am 56. My younger sister actually becomes ill from ingesting this chemical.  She is 46. I don’t know … Continue reading →

I also found that I was fairly severely affected by Aspartame. However, this would send me into a depressed sleep, impossible to overcome. I gave up NutraSweet rather easily.  It always gave me a disgusting aftertaste, and I’d drink it … Continue reading →

At the urging of a fellow addict, I gave up NutraSweet, cold turkey. That       was just this Tuesday. The first few days were rough. Would you believe that I no longer crave carbohydrates? I no longer crave really sweet things?? … Continue reading →

I break out in an itchy rash and get a headache when I eat MSG or NutraSweet, so I stay far away from those additives.

I have for some time now been suffering strong burning feelings and numbness of the toes. (And yes, I *KNOW* I should have seen my doctor. I just hadn’t got that far yet.) The burning feelings have been mostly felt … Continue reading →

I was shocked to read all the negative information on NutraSweet.  I have used it for years and recently stopped, for the most part.  I don’t add it to foods usually, but do buy products that contain it.  Since not … Continue reading →

I may have posted this before, but feel it applies here especially.  I have a patient who came to me with a four-year-old medical diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (a severe form of irritable bowel syndrome).  One single chiropractic adjustment and … Continue reading →

My wife has rather violent reaction to NutraSweet.  Manifestation is nightmares.  She can tell you that real Coke has NutraSweet in it even though they claim not to.  Must still be enough in their pipes from the Diet Coke run.  … Continue reading →

With reference to your request for information on how I reached the conclusion that Aspartame was responsible for the pain in my legs, I established this very simply. I was guzzling between 1 and 2 litres (I live in Canada … Continue reading →

Lastly, about NutraSweet. I have been drinking several cans of diet drinks a day for the last six months. The first thing that was noticed was the drop in visual acuity from 20/20 to 20/25. Since there was no history … Continue reading →

Couple of days ago I visited my ophthalmologist who checked my vision and told me that my vision has become crisper than when he saw me last time about a year ago. I am still keeping off of Aspartame and … Continue reading →

For what it’s worth, when my prostate was acting up diet soda irritated it quite a bit. The same soda with sugar didn’t bother it at all.

Quite interestingly, I had absolutely no problem w/ NutraSweet or MSG ’till I consciously went w/o them for 8 months or so.  I did it because NutraSweet can cause intestinal spasms (amongst other things)–the last thing I needed when my … Continue reading →

It provokes nausea and headaches faster than ANYTHING.  If I drink a can of diet soda.  (IF I can drink the whole thing), I’ll feel terrible for hours.  Not only does it taste terrible, it makes me sick.

Personally, I have experienced NutraSweet side effects.  I can get a headache from eating something as small as a Cert candy.  Diet drinks may me very sluggish and headachy.  Once I fell in love with a banana Gelato ice cream … Continue reading →

I’m positive that Diet Coke creates great problems for me. Lots of stomach cramps, etc.  I have also found that anything with sorbitol (often found in sugar free chocolates) sends me running for the bathroom. Works better than prunes!  Good … Continue reading →

The same thing happened to me.  Blinding headaches (never had headache before) appeared.  It took me about a week to figure out it was the yogurt.  It had Aspartame in it.  Headaches disappeared.

I have fibrocystic breast disease but have had no effects since I stopped drinking caffeine (over 15 years now).  However, recently I started eating a high fiber cereal and all of a sudden my breasts started to hurt.  All of … Continue reading →

Me, too! If I drink too much Diet Coke, I get addicted in a big way. And it isn’t the caffeine, because regular coke doesn’t do it.  I got very irritated and annoyed in the morning before I got the … Continue reading →

I am a former diet-soda drinker.  Approximately six months ago I discovered (on my own with NO help from the 3 Family Physicians, 2 Psychiatrists, or the 3 Psychologists) that this was what was responsible for my five years of … Continue reading →

I suffered from panic/anxiety attacks, insomnia, heart palpitations, tachycardia, shaking, numbness and tingling in toes and hands and arm, nausea, dizziness, memory loss, muscle spasms, breathing problems, depression, slurred speech, and a constant feeling of uneasiness.  Somewhere around December of … Continue reading →

Thanks for your concern about the withdrawal symptoms.  My headaches are over and I am feeling much calmer still.  I am sure that the aspartame was affecting my serotonin levels.  When I was drinking the diet drinks I must have … Continue reading →

I am severely allergic to Aspartame and I have to look at the ingredients of everything to be sure it isn’t there.

I, too, am a former Diet Coke addict. Aside – when I had to give up caffeine, I discovered just how toxic    Aspartame can be. It gave me horrible headaches. I guess having it in    Diet Coke and in my … Continue reading →

I don’t come onto this board too often. So I was surprised by some of what I read on this topic further down the page. Someone actually thinks NutraSweet/Aspartame is safe? (All right, it can ONLY cause blindness.) I can’t … Continue reading →

I really believe the medical community doesn’t have a clue as to its real nature. Eight years ago when pregnant they told me they didn’t *think* it would be bad.  Five years ago they told me they weren’t sure and … Continue reading →

Aspartame has been implicated as one the probable aggravating factors in clinical depression in a number of people.  When I was suffering that lovely affliction last year my doctor suggested that I avoid Aspartame absolutely.  He said that in his … Continue reading →

I got flamed for saying that a person should do a word search on NutraSweet on the web. There are a lot of NASTIES out there. God Bless you. Keep up the good work. My legs used to hurt so … Continue reading →

Having worked for government for 30 years I know that the prime directive is self-preservation of government i.e. (FDA).  I wouldn’t trust any government bureau any farther than I can throw my car!  Why?  Because I saw it from the … Continue reading →

Are you drinking or eating anything with Aspartame in it or anything else that might be constipating?  The reason I ask is that I gave Aspartame up about a week and a half ago (thanks to this news group) and … Continue reading →

I always felt slightly ill when I switched to Aspartame/NutraSweet in my morning coffee.  No headaches, just “queasy”.  My father also had odd symptoms from long-term use of NutraSweet.  He had tingling and numbness in his extremities, and also had … Continue reading →

After reading about the dangers of NutraSweet on the Web, this list, and in the library I gave up NutraSweet earlier this year. Oddly enough, I’ve lost about 10 pounds (no, I haven’t been on a diet or changed my … Continue reading →

You are not far off.  It is estimated that 25% of the population is sensitive to NutraSweet (Aspartame).  A small percentage of these being potentially fatal reactions (stroke, anaphylaxis).  You will find plenty of people to sign up for your … Continue reading →

I wrote to you some time ago about my motor control problems (in my arms) which I suspected were related to my use of Equal (6 or more packets a day for nearly 15 years!). You gave me some good … Continue reading →

I have always been of the opinion that NutraSweet (as well as saccharin) has been allowed to stay on the market because the companies that make all this diet, sugar-free crapola (oops!) did not want to lose their business, nor … Continue reading →

Wow, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who is allergic to NutraSweet!  I have the same reaction – debilitating migraines. Me too!! Big old mother headaches after having Aspartame in any quantity. We’re not alone!

What is all the fuss about NutraSweet?  I would be VERY curious to find out because I, my sister, and my Father have a reaction to it.  I even suspect it was a contributing factor in my mother’s stroke. It … Continue reading →

I avoid it at all costs – it gives me a terrible headache.  It is especially pronounced if I chew it in gum.  It is behind my eyes, almost like a sinus headache, but sharper and there’s no way to … Continue reading →

I don’t use NutraSweet or other Aspartame products.  They simply affect me like nothing else does.  They make me feel shaky and week.  They also kind of wire me up in a way I don’t like.  I stopped using them … Continue reading →

Wow, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who is allergic to NutraSweet!  I have the same reaction – debilitating migraines. Anyway, I’m wondering if you are on a diabetic diet, or just trying to cut down on … Continue reading →

Recently I had a problem with bad water.  My “false hunger” became almost constant and turned into heartburn.  I went to distilled water and quit drinking Diet Coke with Aspartame – my stomach improved almost immediately.

I’m looking for the individual who gave me advice about 3 months ago regarding Aspartame and a burning tongue. I wish to thank this person, since stopping the use of Aspartame has cured the problem. This burning tongue has been … Continue reading →

ASPARTAIME!  If by chance, you’re using NutraSweet on foods, drinking diet soda, coffee, etc. you may be taking in too much!  It’s known to promote headaches. Lasting much of the day for me.  It may also inhibit the production of … Continue reading →

I read what you wrote about the plant that Japan uses to sweeten, and about NutraSweet.  I find it odd that people have not come together to ban NutraSweet.  There are many other people, other than myself, who have told … Continue reading →

NutraSweet is the worst thing in the world for me and gas, and subsequently even bouts of IBS.  I think it is probably one of the world’s worst poisons.  I too have no problem with garlic, but the minor spices … Continue reading →

Same for me!  Migraine within an hour or two, exacerbation of most other symptoms during the next 24 hours.  I avoid the stuff like the poison it is!

I’m not lactose intolerant but we have other similarities.  Artificial sweeteners are the worst.  In high school, I used to chew a lot of gum that had NutraSweet in it and my doc and I discovered that that was even … Continue reading →

Since my family is allergic to NutraSweet/Aspartame so we avoid all products that are labeled as containing them.  However, recently we bought some Maxwell House Swiss Mocha Coffee.   After the second cup I started having problems with my breathing and … Continue reading →

I started using equal in coffee.  I usually don’t use it.  I got terrible headaches after that.  I stopped using it and the headaches quit coming.  I know someone who has an incontinence problem when he uses Equal.

I have been off Aspartame for some time now.  I don’t know what (if any) effects it would have on my headaches, but I’m definitely allergic to it.  I get violently ill if I eat any:  nausea, light-headed, dizzy . … Continue reading →

Has anyone had similar experience with NutraSweet (Aspartame)? Absolutely!  I can chew a stick of gum with it in it, but any more than that, and I get violently ill . . . and it’s supposed to be good stuff … Continue reading →

I’ve also heard that there’s a connection between MSG sensitive people and people who are Aspartame (NutraSweet) intolerant. When NutraSweet first hit the market, I tried diet soda sweetened with it, and every time I did, I’d end up with … Continue reading →

Just wanted you to know I’ve been NutraSweet free for the last several months and CUT MY MIGRAINES  by about 90%.   I assume it’s an allergy to the stuff.

Diet soda has Aspartame/NutraSweet. 30 minutes after consuming such I would have a migraine headache.  Now I drink regular soda or diet tonic made with saccharine which doesn’t make me ill.

It appears xxxx was warning you and xxxxxx about the dangers of NutraSweet. Unfortunately, xxx’s dead right. I know from my own experience, the levels of devastation this product are real. I have lesions on the left temporal lobe of my … Continue reading →

I began having migraines in the late 1980’s, some so severe I wound up in the emergency room.  I have sought the cause for years. I had read about the possible relation to food allergies, but I had never tested … Continue reading →

I want to thank you for the information that you have been posting in the sci.med.nutrition news group. I must admit that at first I thought you to be a little fanatical about the subject of NutraSweet being bad for … Continue reading →

I have a strange reaction to Aspartame, saccharine and sorbitol.  After consuming a 12 oz artificially sweetened soda, I experience significant dizziness, blurred vision and a severe headache.  Is this common?

I have been off Aspartame for two weeks and I can see a definite difference in how I feel. The general all around achiness is pretty much disappeared. I know I will be more careful about what is in my … Continue reading →

I am sorry that you have had so much negative thoughts on your NutraSweet posting. I took my family off the stuff around 3 months ago. My daughter apparently had multiple allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. My husband has recently been … Continue reading →

Hi everyone. I was not very specific when I tried to summarize the diet Pepsi responses so if you’re interested let me try again. The majority of the responses, over 20, said they react to artificial sweeteners, sorbitol, NutraSweet, sweet … Continue reading →

At the very least, gum with NutraSweet makes me bloat terribly, gives me a headache and gas. I guess Aspartame is Aspartame.

I don’t want to belabor the Aspartame issue–I know other things can be causing at least some of my symptoms. But after the ice cream with Aspartame last night, feel pretty bad today. Headache, a trillion hot flashes, tight chest, … Continue reading →

Seriously, joint aches are a menopause symptom and also we have talked about too much NutraSweet causing joint aches.  Do you happen to use a lot of it?  I have reduced my consumption of it to only my am coffee … Continue reading →

I can’t take NutraSweet because it gives me migraines.

I, too, gave up most of my Equal and diet sodas.  My reasons were due to my stomach problems.  Had to give up carbonated drinks – which I knew I was addicted to (I love the “feel” of carbonation – … Continue reading →

Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that I have finally gotten off of Aspartame. Got 100% off about 2 weeks ago. One thing that I have really noticed is a greatly diminished craving for carbohydrates. … Continue reading →

Actually, I stopped drinking and eating artificial sweeteners in 1989 (2 years before my skin problems began).  I found that Aspartame especially gave me headaches, made me feel slightly dizzy, and actually seemed to make me crave real sugar even … Continue reading →

(A pilot friend refuses to drink diet drinks with the stuff in it, and says that many European countries forbid pilots to drink it, because the stuff has a negative effect on IQ and reaction times. ) I was on … Continue reading →

I too have found that Aspartame in foods can trigger Migraines. Foods and drinks containing this “sweetener” cause me to experience Migraines and severe mood swings.  Eliminating Aspartame and foods containing this additive has greatly decreased the number of migraines, … Continue reading →

I have never used Aspartame; hate the stuff, always made me feel sick. But I thought you might be interested in this:  my psychiatrist told me 2 years ago, to stay away from Aspartame.  He said he was getting information … Continue reading →

I, like Lona, am testing eliminating Aspartame from my diet, and the migraine situation is better, as well as less irritability, depression, mental confusion. I’m beginning to consider Aspartame a poison, at least for me.

I have suffered from migraines for years. As soon as I gave up NutraSweet my migraines disappeared. All those Cat Scans, MRI’s. For nothing. I know a few people who have experienced the same result. “Not tonight, honey. I just … Continue reading →

Can anyone give me any information on the above referenced ingredient?  It is found in diet soda.  I think it has something to do with NutraSweet.  I have been drinking diet soda lately and find myself depressed and paranoid.  Someone … Continue reading →

I have discovered that NutraSweet is definitely one (of many) of my triggers for headache.  Another friend started drinking diet drinks to lose weight and had a constant 3 month headache until I told her of my experience.  Her headaches … Continue reading →

I haven’t had a diet soda in years. I found it much easier to control my weight by just drinking a real Coke when I want one (about 2-3 week)—and avoiding diet sodas.

I’m a medical research scientist with doctorate credential from polytechnic university, etc., and 25 years of experience. We were able to cure 75% of people in the migraine clinic at Mount Sinai medical center in NYC by simply taking them … Continue reading →

I just went down 2 sizes in a little less that 2 weeks by doing nothing more than avoiding Aspartame.  Anybody know why? Just did it as an experiment and was *not* expecting this!!  I’ve been using it to avoid … Continue reading →

I just wanted to say that I appreciated finding out about the problems with Aspartame. I stopped using “diet” foods and drinks and my depression alleviated.

I am one of those people–I used to drink a lot of diet soda in high school, then read the book “Diet for a Poisoned Planet” (sorry, don’t remember the author)  in which the author described the type of headaches … Continue reading →

My experience with Aspartame is that I get a very clear headache from it within a short time from taking it.  So, I don’t use anything with Aspartame, but I still have allergies and asthma due to other substances.

I think I can say that I am healthy yet I break out in a rash whenever I ingest Aspartame.  I think I’m lucky that I’m sensitive.  I believe that the cumulative effects for those who are not so sensitive … Continue reading →

Anyway, the increase in my migraines began about a year ago-about at the time when my Aspartame consumption increased.  I thought of it as a possible trigger but lived in denial that it could be because it was such a … Continue reading →

I had not heard anything bad about Aspartame until a couple years ago when I was an intern at Continental Airlines.  I met a captain who lost his medical certification and his job because of a reaction he had to … Continue reading →

As far as cravings go, I’ve found that both Aspartame and caffeine trigger my cravings.  The longer I go without these two substances, the fewer cravings I experience.

My mom IS addicted to diet sodas – but fortunately not the caffeinated ones. First she was “Hooked” on Diet Orange Slice, now it’s Diet Raspberry Ginger Ale.  She is now experiencing numerous symptoms which seem to match Aspartame Toxicity.  … Continue reading →

Thanks for the quick reply on my questions about Aspartame (NutraSweet).  I have been using NutraSweet for the past six months and lately I’ve been having twitches and numbness, especially in the hands, legs and lips.  I am going to … Continue reading →

I do notice that after I have a Diet Coke I get some muscle twitches and after a few days they’re gone.

I think that I may have had an adverse response to Aspartame. I used it for about 15 years. I am experiencing some problems with motor control, specifically in my arms. I obviously don’t use it anymore! I have been … Continue reading →

I didn’t notice the other symptoms, but I used to get the headaches.

Thanks for putting some perspective into this debate. I personally have zero tolerance for Aspartame- nausea and headaches being the most obvious symptoms, even from one piece of sugarless gum. Since I avoid it at all times, I have no … Continue reading →

Yes, I have gotten all the information on Aspartame and haven’t touched it since the day I first read your e-mail. I do notice a significant difference in the way I feel lately.  I am less fatigued, have more energy, … Continue reading →

Although NutraSweet doesn’t affect my asthma, it DOES give me a weird feeling in the back of my jaw like I’ve been biting Styrofoam.  Yuk. My husband gets headaches from it.

I am not sure about the other symptoms, but I started having terrible headaches with mild nausea from diet sodas a few years ago, and stopped using them. I have forbidden anyone to give my son diet sodas. The real … Continue reading →

I have had panic attacks on and off for 10 years. In regards to your question on food and drink. Yes, I believe there are many. One in particular I’m sure about is NutraSweet. Sugar to me does not make … Continue reading →

Just a week and a half ago I quit drinking diet drinks and chewing sugarless gum after reading about the dangers of it on here. I have all the symptoms you wrote about and can’t wait for them to disappear. … Continue reading →

I think the secret for me was that I stopped drinking diet (NutraSweet) sodas at the beginning of the diet.  I have read somewhere that many problems can be traced to Aspartame.  It was certainly so for me.  The way … Continue reading →

In a message about ‘Re: Aspartame/NutraSweet warning’, someone wrote: 1. Headaches, 2. Dizziness, 3. Forgetfulness, 4. Irritation, 5. Motor skill impairment, 6. Word selection problems Classic signs of Aspartame intolerance.  My wife also has experienced this problem.  We were married … Continue reading →

Since I am new to this forum, please forgive me if I am dredging up a topic that has been talked to death.  However, I would like to share some observations and warnings about the effects of Aspartame (NutraSweet and … Continue reading →

I was diagnosed in Jan 96.  I have used Aspartame for years with no ill effects until recently.  All of a sudden the ‘fog’ set in.  Drove me nuts trying to figure out what was wrong.  Also the ringing in … Continue reading →

For what it’s worth, I have experienced side effects from this “sweetener”.  I go into a stupor that makes fibro fog feel like a high. I have not found any “diet” foods or drinks that give you a choice of … Continue reading →

I don’t know about brain tumors, but I cannot eat anything containing Aspartame as I quickly start to lose muscle control and tremble so that I can’t even reliably hold a cup. My mother becomes extremely forgetful for several hours. … Continue reading →

Diet Coke gives me fits — I think it might be the artificial sweetener that is used.  Regular Coke causes me no problems.

I react within 2-5 minutes to NutraSweet.  It makes me dizzy, unable to concentrate, a little bit flushed and a little bit euphoric.  Kind of fun but I probably shouldn’t by driving “under the influence.”

I am 38. Twenty-two years ago (gulp – I must be old!)  I was apprenticing to a ballet company, when the ballet master was harassing everyone to lose more weight, one point driven home was, “If you want to lose … Continue reading →

About five years ago a nutritionist (assigned by my physician) asked me to switch to Diet Coke instead of regular.  So I did.  It took a long time to realize where my problems were coming from.  I just never linked … Continue reading →

Now I have a little question. Until recently (2 weeks ago) I’ve been able to consume foods with NutraSweet (like chewing gum, an occasional soda, and puddings) with no apparent problems.  Two weeks ago I popped a piece of Trident … Continue reading →

I think anything that can cause a physical sensation might trigger panic for some sensitized people.  I used to drink a lot of diet coke — if I drank more than 2 cans worth, I’d get a headache which is … Continue reading →

Many people are allergic to Aspartame AND amino acids.  I know someone who becomes very ill. Goes into an extreme asthma attack with Aspartame. Needs to be hospitalized.

The key here is to eat what I like along with other items that will fill me and are not fattening. I don’t like diet foods of any type. Tried NutraSweet. It gives me headaches.

I don’t need a scientist to tell me this, I know from personal experience.  Aspartame and MSG: Perfect Migraine inducers. Not to mention they give me the shakes, vision problems and stomach aches.

I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia.  I recently read another article on NutraSweet where it named Lupus and Parkinson’s being affected by the NutraSweet. My husband was just diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ although none runs in his family.  On 4-1-96 I decided … Continue reading →

First, before I forget. My husband, John, retired at age 63, in 1993. Soon after retirement he began to show sign that we thought were arthritis. He was slumping forward, shuffling his feet, holding his arms funny as he walked.  … Continue reading →

It DOES give me a headache.  I actually call it NutraBraindead myself. This doesn’t mean I don’t use it, but, when given a choice, I don’t use it.

I am no whiz kid about Aspartame and FM but I went off all artificial sweeteners and my IBS got better. Not cured but better. These days an inch is as good as a mile.  I don’t blindly trust everything … Continue reading →

Have had FM (fibromyalgia) about 15yrs. Never associated many symptoms (fog, dizziness, bookstore runs, and numbness) with it until reading this group and new Dr.info.  I know I cannot eat artificial sweeteners but never associated it with FM. Primarily I … Continue reading →

I’m a little too busy to write up my “60 days without Aspartame” experience fully right now, but I’ll do it soon. In summary, after getting & reading your info on Feb 14, I cut Aspartame out completely (I’d been … Continue reading →

Thank You for sending me information about Aspartame.  No wonder I feel awful after a week of taking diet pops.  I get terrible headaches. .   It is scary out there isn’t it?  Soon we will have to go and live … Continue reading →

I’ll add my two cents worth, for what it’s worth. There is something wrong with NutraSweet. If I drink a diet soft drink or iced tea sweetened with it today, sometime before tomorrow morning I will have a dull thud … Continue reading →

How true it is!   xxxx is THE expert on Aspartame and her recommendations have improved my FMS (fibromyalgia) symptoms to a point that I have very little pain anymore.  It’s so sad that we all think we know everything about … Continue reading →

My husband and I both experience problems with beverages containing NutraSweet.  It actually takes my husband’s breath away as well as causing a sore throat sensation.  I have never heard of others having an allergy to it but I’m sure … Continue reading →

At least half a dozen of my patients have reported back with positive feedback after discontinuing Aspartame. To give a few examples- 1.) A 60 year old, non-diabetic, obese lady was on Equal (regularly in her tea & coffee) for … Continue reading →

Great topic!  I get a “sore throat” type of feeling (although a little different than a raw feeling) when I drink a diet soda.  If it not were for the taste difference, I could tell a diet drink from a … Continue reading →

I too have a problem with NutraSweet. I have been mistakenly given drinks with Aspartame and believe me, in a short length of time, I know that I was not given what I had ordered.  Although I do not get … Continue reading →

I get a migraine headache almost instantly when I drink a diet soda. I may only have a couple of sips too! It seems to be mainly the sodas, though I remember getting a headache after eating diet yogurt. Thanks … Continue reading →

A few years ago my uncle Ed had a mild heart attack. It scared him enough to change a life of alcohol over-use, and eating habits. He decided to drink Diet pop, heavy with NutraSweet. Within 3 months he started … Continue reading →

DO NOT USE IT.  It IS BAD STUFF!  I get completely out of control when I use it and I have talked to many who have the same symptoms.  Dizzy, even when lying down, vision problems, stomach cramps etc.  Thank … Continue reading →

O.K. you chemists out there, this question might be a little off the subject, but it is something I have always wondered.  We know excesses of caffeine can decrease fertility, but what about this Aspartame?  One of the posters to … Continue reading →

Let’s add one more story about NutraSweet:  This one is fresh, happened last week.  A friend of mine (not a patient) suffers from Epilepsy due to an automobile accident two years ago, resulting in a brain injury. She is homebound … Continue reading →

I am allergic to NutraSweet (Aspartame) and it is common knowledge in the diet drink manufacturer that this causes severe headaches.  It gives me debilitating migraines which last for 3 days.  Joanie I have some info on it somewhere, I … Continue reading →

The type of headaches I (and several friends of mine) get from Aspartame consumption are indeed worthy of worry. They are excruciating and unrelenting and require approximately 12-16 hours of detoxing before they resolve. Aspartame is no worry-free product. It … Continue reading →

This is known as “restless leg” and has proved to be pretty refractory. I have had it myself off and on. I had the worst time with it when I was using tons of Aspartame, and it seems to have … Continue reading →

We took the advice not to use NutraSweet (here in NZ the trade name is Equal), (Equal to Poison!) and immediately, and I mean immediately, my daughter’s shaking lessened.  It didn’t cure her, but she noticed a sizable difference in … Continue reading →

People have legitimate MS, and in this case Aspartame makes their problems worse.   Methanol toxicity from Aspartame IS NOT MS it just mimics it because it destroys the nervous system. I too have a definite diagnosis of MS but reading … Continue reading →

I was drinking a LOT of diet sodas. I’d say around 4 to six a day. (Well, it was summer in NYC) as well as using NutraSweet in my coffee, in my yoghurt and cereal etc. I began to get … Continue reading →

Thanks again. And BTW, I cannot tolerate Aspartame.  I feel definitely ill when I drink diet soft drinks.  Strange, it’s only an amino acid isn’t it?

I’ve been taking Bio-Rx now for a few months, but have been getting headaches from the Aspartame. Does anyone know of any comparable products (price & quality) without Aspartame? Thanks

Within 3 days of quitting NutraPoison my eczema was greatly improved. The open weeping sores closed up and the itch went away.  If you have any sort of skin rash, get off of NutraPoison (Aspartame) immediately.

Just wanted to add my experiences. I get deathly ill if I drink or eat anything with Aspartame in it. I get nauseated; headaches and I feel like I’m never going to get up again. My doctor said I have … Continue reading →

I remember when Diet Coke came out as one of the first products using “Aspartame” I also remember a warning on the cans that said Aspartame could cause headaches.  I have since noticed they took the warning off.  I myself … Continue reading →

I am very eager to get all the info you have, but for now do not have WEB access and only have an Internet E-Mail drop. I have personally experienced temporary blindness, panic attacks, and many other unpleasant side effects … Continue reading →

My last bout with NutraSweet was over a year ago now, thank goodness! I live in fear that it will sneak into food or a drink and I check labels very carefully. The near-blindness episode combined with a panic attack … Continue reading →

I agree with this wholeheartedly.  I can’t believe that the maker of NutraSweet (Monsanto, I believe) posted a large ad in the papers once, claiming that NutraSweet “does not cause headaches”!!!  That’s like telling someone that water doesn’t actually quench … Continue reading →

But I’ve gone off diet soda now for over one week.  I used to drink about 4-5 diet sodas over the course of a day (and had been for about 6 years).  What I’ve notice so far, is that my … Continue reading →

If you are still giving out the info on NutraSweet, I would love to receive it.  My mom and I have just discovered that it seems to trigger anxiety attacks in both of us.  Mom also had the rapid heartbeat.  … Continue reading →

If you are still giving out the info on NutraSweet, I would love to receive it.  My mom and I have just discovered that it seems to trigger anxiety attacks in both of us.  Mom also had the rapid heartbeat.  … Continue reading →

NutraSweet (Aspartame) give me giant hives.

No scientific proof, but if I drink too much diet drinks with NutraSweet I get depressed.  Of course, it has to be in the amount of multiple “Big Gulp” size drinks from the local convenience store.

After suffering terribly from Migraines for ages, I started to pay a lot of attention of what I ate and drank on the days that they hit. Well after a really, really bad one I figured it was NutraSweet. Since … Continue reading →

I was told by a doctor that diet soda can cause your blood sugar to drop just like you were using REAL sugar. (GASP) Especially if you have a slightly low blood sugar. Another thing is that a LOT of … Continue reading →

I wanted to tell you about my case with Aspartame. Since you have sent me a letter, I have been off of it for the duration, and to say the least, my vision has improved greatly. Another thing that has … Continue reading →

I didn’t know anyone else was having problems with NutraSweet, but personally the stuff gives me splitting headaches.

Fairly small amounts of NutraSweet make me feel like I’m having an asthma attack. I.e. shortness of breath. Happens even when I don’t know that it’s in there. I’ve heard 5% of the population gets this, but the stuff is … Continue reading →

I used to drink NutraSweet’nd beverages, but no more. It made me sick -long before I knew why. If you think kids get crazy on sugar, watch them after 12 oz of pop sweetened with this junk. No. I would … Continue reading →

While I cannot say that “Aspartame” caused “narcolepsy-like” symptoms, I can say it has a “bad-effect” on me.  When drinking a lot of sodas “sweetened” by it — I had effects that made me dub it “stupid drug”. Similar effects … Continue reading →

Although I must note that I am now five days into going cold turkey on all forms of Aspartame, and I have noticed a distinct lowering of appetite and increase of energy. I tend to resist food crankery, but mark … Continue reading →

Because of your information on Aspartame, my wife has stopped using this substance and is reporting less depression!  Thank you for that. I am also in a support group for panic and anxiety disorder and have given them this information … Continue reading →

I was really interested to see an Aspartame ™ thread. Whenever I happen to drink by mistake or desperation a NutraSweet ™ beverage, I detect a slight light-headedness.  I had thought this might be psychosomatic due to my aversion to … Continue reading →

This is just an honest question, not a flame.  If NutraSweet is not a bad thing to be adding to your diet, why is it that the only way I seem to be able to lose weight is to replace … Continue reading →

Thanks for the information on Aspartame. I don’t use it, nor do I allow my children to have it. We sometimes feel strange insisting on real sugar. Years ago, when Aspartame was first introduced, I found that it gave me … Continue reading →

I am so HAPPY to have read your post about NutraSweet.  I have cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disease (lethal) which severely affects my lungs and my ability to digest foods.  Finally, like many CF patients, I developed diabetes.  … Continue reading →

When I stopped using Aspartame, I stopped being quite so nervous but I didn’t really get better until I was hospitalized for pneumonia.  I suspect that the Aspartame and fluctuations in blood sugar left me open for rapid growth of … Continue reading →

It’s simply two amino acids joined.  It’s no more dangerous than sugar. Then why do I feel tired and drained every time I drink anything with NutraSweet in it?

Does anyone know something I may use to elevate tiredness?  I get plenty of sleep, and I cycle to work each day, and my doctor can’t find anything wrong with me – maybe something ‘alternative’ may help? Remove all NutraSweet/Aspartame … Continue reading →

About four years ago I started having mild bouts of depression; I guess what most folks would call “the blues”. These bouts would last about a week and then would go away, only to resurface a few months later, and … Continue reading →

Hello.  I wanted to share an experience I had about three years ago–one that continues to haunt me.  I worry that these debilitating symptoms will return someday. When I was in my second year of law school I was an … Continue reading →

What an impressive list of problems you give.  It makes my migraines look somewhat insignificant. A friend of mine, also in the UK, has more severe problems I know of.  For several years she suffered from unexplained loss of consciousness.  … Continue reading →

Sir I am reading the postings on the internet about Aspartame with great interest and anger. I had been drinking Diet Coke for the past 12 years. This was the only form of liquid I consumed, with the very odd … Continue reading →

In looking back over the past 5 to 7 years many problem are now clear and they affected my business and my life. These I do attribute to Aspartame. Difficulties with decision making. This first surfaced when I went to … Continue reading →

October 1994 – I started to get red rashes with small lumps and very itchy in a random pattern, size, time and duration. November  1994 – Anti-Histamine gave  relief for a few days at a time December  1994 –  I … Continue reading →

I stopped all NUTRASWEET and ASPARTAME in March of 1995 due to progressively worsened headaches (migraines).  At the end I was missing 2-3 days of work as frequently as every 3 wks.  I took so much aspirin that I am now … Continue reading →

Yep, and I have been off that stuff now for over a month, and noticing the difference. It took me a year to get over all the symptoms. Your body actually becomes toxic from it.   Well, it is a chemical … Continue reading →

Does anyone have suggestions re soft drinks that don’t contain aspartame? I get headaches from NutraSweet, etc., and it seems like everything on the market has NutraSweet. I can drink about a half a can of Tab or Diet Dr. … Continue reading →

Up to the time I was in the hospital in October I had no trouble with Equal or Aspartame. But since then I have had coughing spells and headaches whenever I eat Jell-O or drink soda pop with the stuff … Continue reading →

I’m certain that there is something to the NutraSweet problems. I had a most interesting happening in my business that I got to witness some eighteen months ago.  Two clients met and got into a conversation about food.  One is … Continue reading →

I had my first of two seizures 9 years ago right after losing 30 pounds in 3 months on a diet filled with NutraSweet.  The cause of my seizures was never figured out, but the neurologist said that NutraSweet can … Continue reading →

Here is my brief Aspartame story. It doesn’t involve a 60-day break, but maybe it will be useful anyway. I don’t drink diet colas with Aspartame because each time I did several years ago, I would get this strange tightness … Continue reading →

Several people have posted that their doctors told them that NutraSweet was o.k. during pregnancy. I just want to make sure that people know that despite what I’ve heard in articles and from doctors, some people do not react well … Continue reading →

I am a migraine sufferer and I’ve been taking Prozac for 2 weeks.  I remember one side effect was supposed to be headaches.  But so far, I have had not one headache or migraine attack, EXCEPT when I ate some … Continue reading →

I for one had lots of mood swings, migraines, anxiety etc. when I was on my 6-8 Diet Cokes a day. It’s been over 3 months since I ‘quit’, and I can’t tell you how much better I feel!  Not … Continue reading →

Hi everyone, I’m a new reader.  My first seizure experience (3 violent grand mal in 1 hour) came 30 minutes after I first ingested Aspartame in a Diet Coke.

Has anyone posted the information about NutraSweet to this group?  I just found out how toxic it is and want to pass the word.  My brother just emailed me and said that a rash that he has had on his … Continue reading →

Personal experience proves to me that Aspartame is dangerous.  I’ll try to be brief with my story.  I use Aspartame rarely or never.  December 1995 I stayed with my parents for 4 days and used their Equal in my coffee. … Continue reading →

I’m quitting Diet Coke (after a massive addiction which grew from minor habit to out of control over the past 5 years) and noticing that I feel more centered, stable and focused than I have in a very long time. … Continue reading →

I do not use sugar substitutes; I just regulate the amount of sugar I use period.  I also have found that if I eat NutraSweet it affects me like a sleeping pill.  Every so often I have a craving for … Continue reading →

To cut a very long story short, it seems as though my persistent headaches have been primarily caused by NutraSweet. Several years ago I was on holiday in Israel and noticed a warning on the cans of Diet Coke. The … Continue reading →

Since I already figured out the NutraSweet thing I’ve been off of it for almost a year.  Here is my story; you have my permission to use it. I began experiencing migraine headaches in my early 40s.  This is quite … Continue reading →

Thanks for writing!  I last spoke to my friend about a week ago and she said that she is doing great and feeling better than she has in years.  She says that the pains in her feet and legs disappeared … Continue reading →

Thank you VERY MUCH for all the articles on NutraSweet. I have been off NutraSweet for about 2 weeks now. I am feeling much better and don’t get those pounding throbbing headaches very much anymore. My brother (who is a … Continue reading →

I am only a physicist, with a private pilot’s license, among many other interests.  As such, I keep abreast of a great many publications, some of which bear directly on this topic. Many professional pilots have permanently lost their licenses … Continue reading →

I developed CHRONIC stone formation after I switched to artificial sweeteners 3 years ago. I also have spasmodic kidney pain which seems to decrease when my intake of NutraSweet is reduced.

My dad is always riding me about staying away from NutraSweet because of these reports.  I tend not to use it anyway, but primarily because it seems to give me headaches.

RE: NutraSweet. I was not so aware of having headaches, but when at Weight Watchers several years ago and downing colas, and WW products full of NutraSweet my heart was beating irregular and just pounding. I experimented and got off … Continue reading →

During the last two months, I have been conducting an informal survey of Aspartame effects. So far, I’ve gotten twelve individuals to discontinue Aspartame intake. Six have experienced marked improvements in health. In one case, in just the past two … Continue reading →

I used to drink huge quantities of Diet Coke, probably a six-pack a day, maybe even more than that.  The only way that I found to quit was cold-turkey, and switched to drinking distilled water.  It was really hard for … Continue reading →

Oh yea, while I do not have the seizures, my 8 year old son has them. Boy are there days when the seizures just come and come.  And there are no answers. I turn to this list, my wife and … Continue reading →

I have recently had a nightmare three years from NutraSweet (Aspartame). I stopped sleeping – when I did sleep it was in 90 minute blocks, which had something to do with REM sleep intervals apparently.  I might go 3 nights … Continue reading →

I never drink diet sodas – I’m a Mt Dew kind of gal – the one with caffeine. 🙂 Anyway, several years ago, I went down to Subway to get a soda – they were out of Mt Dew, and … Continue reading →

Thank you! I happily ingested diet soda for years, then whoomp! There it was in everything–Aspartame/NutraSweet. Within 1/2 hour, flaming headache, nausea, “flu”. I can now tell if McDonald’s or whomever mixes up the order with one taste, and avoid … Continue reading →

And here I was thinking I had discovered something truly revolutionary all by my lonesome!! I, too, had gone through numerous tests to find the cause of increasingly severe almost daily migraines. While visiting a friend who is allergic to … Continue reading →

My wife gets severe headaches and I have heard similar reports as yours. I personally don’t touch the stuff. It comes under the umbrella of the ‘Titanic Effect’, and its day has yet to come.

For years I suffered from terrible, debilitating headaches that wouldn’t respond to any medication. Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen were all ineffective in relieving the headaches. I’d get several of these headaches a week. The only thing I could do was … Continue reading →

I just discovered another wondrous fact about Aspartame from my immunologist.  Aspartame is processed through the same pathways as sulpha, so if you have a sulpha allergy, guess what?  Results are joint pain etc.  Needs to say I nixed the … Continue reading →

My own experience took place long before I ever _heard_ of Betty or the s.m.n Aspartame wrangle. I’m an aerobics instructor.  During classes, I chew gum to keep my mouth and throat moist for cueing.  When I started out, I … Continue reading →

You’ve gotten my attention.  I rarely had problems with floaters until I started drinking 3 Diet Cokes daily.  I got large floaters in my left eye, flashes, as well as headaches over the bridge of my nose and some strange … Continue reading →

Well, absent a reply from Steve, or someone more knowledgeable about psychopharmacology than I, here’s my anecdotal evidence from personal experience and chatting with other folks.  For one, I’ve noticed degradation of control in the speech center — I’m likelier … Continue reading →

But you know about studies. One recent study cited that sugar has no affect (in regards to hyperactivity) on kids as compared to the control group given artificial sweeteners. You would be hard pressed to find one parent who would … Continue reading →

I am not sure you will find the exact truth. I used to drink a fair about of diet sodas and then I started collecting information of the effects of Aspartame (used in most diet drinks) about some of the … Continue reading →

Just wanted you to know that after about 4 months of no NutraSweet, my hypoglycemia symptoms have almost disappeared and I can eat dairy products without discomfort (I’m not sure whether the last benefit is due to now Aspartame or … Continue reading →

I stopped drinking diet soda for quite some time because I suspected that it was making me feel pretty bad well I don’t know why I did this but last week I decided to try a diet drink to be … Continue reading →

Since I last wrote my brother has been off NutraSweet since then. My brother’s lupus type of symptoms completely went away. My brother has been a physician for over 10 years . His doctor (a specialist) who has been treating … Continue reading →

I would strongly urge against NutraSweet.  It is probably not too bad in very small quantities if you are not sensitive to it, but my experience when I drank it to “lose” weight had the opposite effect.  I craved more … Continue reading →

Aspartame gives me immediate cramps and diarrhea -from breath mints, ice cream, etc.  I’ve had one violent attack right after drinking a diet soda by mistake on an empty stomach.  Thought I was having a heart attack, couldn’t breathe, pulse … Continue reading →

Gives me slight headaches, when I used to drink 16oz Diet Cokes with lunch, I would feel a slight disorientation a short while after even a light lunch,

I discovered by accident 4 years ago that diet drinks with NutraSweet gave me migraine headaches. I haven’t intentionally touched NutraSweet since. Please send me a list of alternate sweeteners and where to get them. Thanks in advance.

I consider myself “sensitive” to Aspartame.    When I drink more than 1 can of diet soda a day – I get headaches. Before I figured that out (took me a few years – I am a slow learner).  I had … Continue reading →

I have been on Dilantin for 2+1/2 years for grand mals, but was having some auras or partials (deja-vu, uneasy panic-attack type feelings, and twitches in one arm or leg in bed at night) until about a week ago when … Continue reading →

Thank you for the posting on Aspartame. When it first came out my endocrinologist told me to stay away from it. I have hypoglycemia and considered a sugar free diet. He noted that he still had a lot of questions … Continue reading →

I get severe headaches from consuming products with NutraSweet.  The headache doesn’t last long–a half hour or so, but it is enough that I avoid the product.  When I have mentioned this to friends, they speak of a similar problem.

I have severe headaches due to Aspartame. I first realized what was causing it when that EXTRA gum cam on the market. We were chewing it like it was going out of style!! I can’t even have a few Certs … Continue reading →

Have you walked in anyone’s shoes that have a problem with NutraSweet? I knew years ago before Betty even was in the picture that it caused problems. I was having extreme headaches and I stopped with the discontinuation of Extra … Continue reading →

I too must say that I’m affected by NutraSweet (Aspartame), and will get very disoriented, dizzy and feel weak.  My daughter has the same reaction. She was given a piece of gum by a classmate once, and within 20 min. … Continue reading →

I’ve developed unbearably itchy hands. I think it might be from using Equal sweetener. Anybody heard of an allergic reaction to Aspartame? Help! Actually, you can be allergic to Aspartame. It gives me headaches when I use it. What would … Continue reading →

I got online this morning to send you a Thank You.  After reading your post on and requesting the info that you have sent me today I took my father in-law-off the Aspartame. He is 85 and is on insulin … Continue reading →

AsparI have been drinking Diet Pepsi every day for about 10 years (I am now 27) and pop my entire life. After reading your articles I went cold turkey on the Diet Pepsi (which my friends refer to as toxic … Continue reading →

Hi there. It’s me after a long time. I am continuing to try to avoid NutraSweet. I am not always good about it but I try. If I drink any I can tell the next day, I am fatigued and … Continue reading →

I noticed that I was being pretty affected by Diet Pepsi. I was drinking at least 2 liters a day. (eek, gag!!)  I noticed that burning sensation several times, but never thought anything of it. Finally, I realized that Diet … Continue reading →

I noticed that I was being pretty affected by Diet Pepsi. I was drinking at least 2 liters a day. I drank Crystal Light at work for a week. I got headaches and dizziness.  Finally I realized it was the … Continue reading →

It seems that Aspartame has been implicated in aggravating both MPD and attention deficit disorder, among others.  I experienced my first uncontrolled Twitching when I was doing a lot of Aspartame.  I was also getting severe migraines and visual disorders … Continue reading →

Well, in my personal case, I was at a party a few months back, and consumed quite a bit of punch.  Within 8 hours, I started getting a migraine headache, color dropouts in my vision, and loss of my night … Continue reading →

That’s interesting as I avoid drinks containing this substance as it rapidly makes me feel slightly nauseous and I also tremble. That’s after one can of diet drink. Goodness how are they allowed to poison people. Strikes me sugar is … Continue reading →

I am normally quite skeptical about “X is the root of all evil/disease/behavior” but I’m inclined to agree with the NutraSweet warnings.  I’ve always had ADD symptoms and I’ve never used Aspartame products until about a year and a half … Continue reading →

Well, I haven’t been on the NutraSweet at all since I wrote last.  I haven’t had the panic attacks/nervousness that I had had; at least I haven’t noticed it.  I still have had some depression, but not too bad, guess … Continue reading →

I have also eliminated Aspartame (Equal(tm)) from my diet.  I usually don’t drink diet drinks, but when I need something cool to drink I would pick up a diet drink if nothing else was available.  I no longer do that. … Continue reading →

Well, as the years go on, and I find myself becoming more and more ‘natural’, I find that my migraines are becoming less and less frequent.  Not that they could ever be kind enough to leave forever, though. Of course … Continue reading →

I’ve found that I can’t tolerate anything with Aspartame in it any more.  It not only irritates an already irritable bowel, but gives me a blinding headache and makes me retain water.  Sounds like an allergy, and after all those … Continue reading →

When it first hit the market several years ago, I was exposed to it in samples of “Crystal Light” and marketed iced tea mixes.  After two weeks I was waking up with tremors and cold sweats during the night.  Leg … Continue reading →

Greeting from New Zealand, I am a 54 year old male with Rheumatoid arthritis for 3 years and (partly because of my medicines) overweight. So trying to cut down on sugar I used sweeteners. A couple of weeks ago an … Continue reading →

SOME DIETARY CAUSES OF MIGRAINES I HAVE DISCOVERED In a desperate attempt to find a cause for almost daily migraines that seemed to start not long after a meal, I decided I had to go on a fast. After fasting … Continue reading →

I just thought that I would drop a quick note to you.  Thank you for your article regarding NutraSweet.  When NutraSweet came out with that little gumball, I had headaches all the time. When I figured out what it was … Continue reading →

I reviewed the message board on NutraSweet.  I suffer terribly from migraines.  I’m swearing off diet Pepsi.  I don’t drink coffee so I guess I’ll have to start drinking ice tea with good old fashioned sugar.  What is this product … Continue reading →

I find that all drinks with Aspartame give me terrible migraines. Splenda drinks seem to be fine, but I am worried there might be side effects that I don’t know about. I am wondering why it is not available in … Continue reading →

NutraSweet gives my mother headaches

Hello All. I have not taken any food with the Aspartame for 1 week. I don’t think it has lowered the Tinnitus but my balance seems better. Also less dizziness. I will lay off the Aspartame for another week and … Continue reading →

I don’t have Meniere’s but have had Tinnitus for about 2 years. One thing I discovered that was giving me a lot of problems was Aspartame. There was an article posted on this group back in Aug. about the problems … Continue reading →

NutraSweet does this to LOTS of people. Apparently they forgot to consider the possibility that an amazing percentage of the population would have at least minor side effects when consuming Aspartame. I personally get headaches and nausea.

It has been almost 4 weeks since I have stopped using Aspartame.  It is amazing the changes that have occurred in me!  I will give you my history so that you may understand. I have always been a diet soda/artificial … Continue reading →

Yes the NutraSweet is a trigger for me, the yogurt (anything cultured or aged) can also be a trigger for me and the frozen yogurt would probably give me an ice cream headache to boot. All three would guarantee me … Continue reading →

My doctor suggested that I not use artificial sweeteners.  He said there wasn’t much scientific evidence, but in his experience they could aggravate Lupus, which I have.  I quit immediately.  I’ve made a lot of changes, and am taking medication, … Continue reading →

I am a new diabetic (46 years old).  I have not had diet soft drinks in several years, because they gave me headaches.  Now, with diabetes, I drink water.

I want to thank the person who posted something about Aspartame (NutraSweet(R)) and pain last week.  Apparently they quit using this diet sweetener and certain pains subsided. Over the past couple years, I have seen 4 doctors and a chiropractor … Continue reading →

I was the one who started a small thread about this a few weeks ago.  I had reported that after a few years of increasing, chronic pain in my left foot, it started to subside within days after stopping use … Continue reading →

Yes I used to drink diet soda all the time but it started to make me feel weird and bring on panic attacks so I don’t touch the stuff anymore. cindysch@gladstone.

By trial and error I discovered that NutraSweet will trigger what several people described to me as a migraine. Absolute worst headaches. I’ve had the same problem.  Some people were telling me that it was all in my head and … Continue reading →

My experience with Aspartame is this:  in the early 80’s (which is when I think it began being used heavily) on a very, very hot L.A. summer morning, I was chugging Crystal Light Lemonade.  I went to church at noon … Continue reading →

I’ve got temporal lobe epilepsy that manifests as panic attacks, and there is no question in my mind that NutraSweet increases my seizure activity.  I’m off Diet Coke, but the downside is I’m back to drinking coffee.  So what’s the … Continue reading →

I also get migraines from NutraSweet.  🙁

By trial and error I discovered that NutraSweet will trigger what several people described to me as a migraine. Absolute worst headaches I had ever had.  Rendered me non-functional. I had never experienced anything like them before, but began to … Continue reading →

Is it automatic? Do you get a headache every time you use NutraSweet? The reason I ask is that I’ve eradicated sugar out of my life (even though my headaches weren’t being caused by sugar, as it turns out). I … Continue reading →

Yes.  If I have anything w/ NutraSweet I am almost assured a migraine. It is a common trigger.

When NutraSweet first came out, I used it a lot (i.e. I drank gallons of Diet Coke). I began to get headaches, dizziness, and a buzzing in my head.  After a while, I noticed that it only happened after drinking … Continue reading →

Now, I just recently tried Aspartame, against my better judgment when my husband was diagnosed with hypoglycemia.  Thought maybe I just wouldn’t be one of those people to respond negatively, but I developed a completely different form of migraine headache … Continue reading →

Yes, NutraSweet brings on severe attacks for me from as little as a single can of diet soda.  And i was working at NutraSweet as a consultant for 6 months or so (this year) so i tried it many times … Continue reading →

Has anyone experienced anxiety-panic attacks brought on or made worse by NutraSweet (Aspartame)? I read one posting on the diabetes newsgroup claiming such a connection. YES!  NutraSweet totally brings mine on!

By the way I gave my doctor the post that you sent me. She was very impressed.  She told me that she took one of her patients off of NutraSweet for an undisclosed (to me) condition and was starting to … Continue reading →

I am a nutritionist working on my Master’s degree.  I’m not taking a position to argue about whether or not the government should have approved NutraSweet and don’t intend to enter that debate.  However, I know that NutraSweet gives me … Continue reading →

You aren’t the only one who gets headaches with Aspartame.  I get them and I also have a friend who gets them.  But, try telling your mother and sister, who live on Diet Coke, that you can’t have anything with … Continue reading →

I don’t know about sugar cravings, but I do know that my mom, who is diabetic, has problems with low blood sugar if she drinks a soda with NutraSweet too late in the evening. It seems to be OK during … Continue reading →

I can’t consume anything with NutraSweet in it because it gives me a terrible headache (relieved only by feverfew), but I don’t think it’s caused my FM (fibromyalgia) problems (could make them worse maybe due to the sheer volume of … Continue reading →

I recently purchased a LARGE box of Carefree gum at my local: warehouse-type-store.  After chewing it for about four days, my bad knee started giving me real fits.  After I stopped chewing the gum for about a week most of … Continue reading →

Well, my fiancé was doing a lot of NutraSweet (coffee, Diet Coke, etc.).  I printed out some of the posts here and she decided to cut out the NutraSweet for a couple of weeks to see what happened.  The results … Continue reading →

I’ve discovered (the hard way) that 1) Stellazine in extremely low doses (1-2 mg/day) is effective for controlling my bipolar swings, 2) the drug has a nearly instant effect (hours, not days), and 3) that even with these very low … Continue reading →

I suffered a minor heart attack in June, and felt horrible afterwards.  I’ve suffered from clinical depression for a long time, and most people have associated it with my weight, which may or may not be the case.  However, since … Continue reading →

I had a bad experience with Aspartame, too. I got dizzy, nauseous, and faint in hot weather after drinking it. The first article explains that very well – the conversion and breakdown of Aspartame to methyl alcohol and methanol. Thanks … Continue reading →

I’m a Diet Coke addict.  If I weighed 100 lbs., my teeth were made of titanium, and they’d found that DC was more carcinogenic than tobacco, I’d *still* be drinking Diet Coke.  I always shake my head at people who … Continue reading →

I had a headache for eight years.  After, my mother mentioned that Aspartame gave her migraines; I stopped drinking diet Coke (I drank about 2 per day). The headache went away.  I had always assumed that the headache was from … Continue reading →

About 8 years ago I was drinking a *lot* of low-cal NutraSweet stuff (Crystal Light, tea mix, etc) and started getting Yeast infections. Then I read an article that said that too much sugar *or* artificial sweeteners could cause this … Continue reading →

Back in 1976, I had a bad reaction to the swine flu shot, which (IMHO) eventually resulted in my CFIDS.  I was able to function, and live a “semi-normal” life (working, enjoying friends and family, etc.) until 1983, when I … Continue reading →

After reading a lot about NutraSweet as a possible trigger for migraine on the migraine message board on AOL and on the alt.support.headaches.migraine newsgroup, I decided to give it a try — giving up diet cokes, that is.  I also … Continue reading →

I’m curious to see the official list. I quit using NutraSweet nearly two years ago at my doctor’s suggestion. My hair and skin have seen dramatic improvements.

I get horrid migraines from Aspartame (NutraSweet).  I discovered it when I started to drink diet Coke.  I think there have been studies done in England on the relationship between Aspartame and headaches.  But I tested it well on myself … Continue reading →

Each time I tried Aspartame, I got a headache. When some say Aspartame may induce brain cancer my temptation is to believe it.

I have been saying for years that NutraSweet gives me irregular heartbeats and no one would pay any attention to it.  I usually have a diet coke every afternoon.  The problem is I don’t always get the irregular beats! But … Continue reading →

One swallow of anything containing NutraSweet gives me immediate chest pain.  So not only watch your food and beverage consumption but also check medications if you are experiencing problems.

Well some days it just doesn’t pay to get up. After starting a lifestyle change, you know, less comfort food (except during 7+ migraines, more exercise, or should I say a more active lifestyle)  I know from personal experience that … Continue reading →