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Aspartame is a sweetener that is made up of two amino acids, one of them is call phenylalanine. The digestive system of those who have the genetic disease, phenylketonuria cannot digest this amino acid. It wreaks havoc in their bodies; so it does not help but hurt. This is why there is a warning label on products with aspartame warning those with phenylketonuria that there is phenylalanine in the product.

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Q: Does aspartame help people with the genetic disease phenylketonuria?
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What is the effect of aspartame on teeth?

Asparatame is considered an alternative sweetener. Alternative sweeteners are essentially calorie-free and at least 30 times sweeter than sucrose. There currently are five alternative sweeteners approved for use in the United States: saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose, aspartame and neotame. Aspartame is composed of two naturally occurring amino acids (the building blocks of protein) - phenylalanine and aspartate. Aspartame has a flavor similar to sucrose, and also functions as a taste intensifier and enhancer. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sucrose and has no aftertaste. A packet of this sweetener is equivalent in sweetness to two teaspoons of sugar (32 calories), for just four calories. Products that contain aspartame must carry a warning to people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disorder that prevents proper metabolism of phenylalanine. Unlike the alternate sweeteners saccharin, cyclamate acesulfame K, neotame and sucralose, which have no nutritional value, aspartame contributes calories. This is due to the fact that it can be used by the body just as any other protein, but the amounts are so small that its caloric value is insignificant. Aspartame does not contribute to tooth decay.


Can aspartame cause weight gain?

Absolutely YES!! Aspartame raises blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is too high, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood stream to regulate (lower) blood sugar. Blood sugar (glucose) plus insulin equals body fat. Raised blood sugar levels hinder weight loss and even cause weight gain. Aspartame has many other side effects as well. It is made from a nasty combination of chemicals that should not be consumed by anyone who values their health. Many people who suffer from migraines find that they cease once they quit consuming aspartame and/or MSG.


What gum does have aspartame in it?

Very very little gum doesn't have Aspartame in it. Mainly bubble gum has no aspartame but I found some aspartame in Hubba Bubba.


Is aspartame good for us?

There is no solid evidence that suggests that ingesting normal quantities of aspartame leads to health problems. However, aspartame is not a normal part of the human diet. Furthermore, the FDA's ultimate approval of aspartame as a food additive is highly suspicious. For some insight into how aspartame passed the FDA approval process, go to the link below:http://www.stevia.net/aspartame.htm


How many people have heart disease in the US?

About 13% of people get Heart disease.

Related questions

Is phenylketonuria most common in a certain religious group?

Phenylketonuria is not specific to any particular religious group. It is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. It is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the body's ability to process an amino acid called phenylalanine.


What is the genotype of people who have the genetic condition sickle cell disease?

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What is the effect of aspartame on teeth?

Asparatame is considered an alternative sweetener. Alternative sweeteners are essentially calorie-free and at least 30 times sweeter than sucrose. There currently are five alternative sweeteners approved for use in the United States: saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose, aspartame and neotame. Aspartame is composed of two naturally occurring amino acids (the building blocks of protein) - phenylalanine and aspartate. Aspartame has a flavor similar to sucrose, and also functions as a taste intensifier and enhancer. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sucrose and has no aftertaste. A packet of this sweetener is equivalent in sweetness to two teaspoons of sugar (32 calories), for just four calories. Products that contain aspartame must carry a warning to people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disorder that prevents proper metabolism of phenylalanine. Unlike the alternate sweeteners saccharin, cyclamate acesulfame K, neotame and sucralose, which have no nutritional value, aspartame contributes calories. This is due to the fact that it can be used by the body just as any other protein, but the amounts are so small that its caloric value is insignificant. Aspartame does not contribute to tooth decay.


Is aspartic acid harmful to humans?

Aspartic acid is considered safe for the majority of people when consumed in normal dietary amounts. However, excessive consumption of aspartic acid in the form of aspartame (an artificial sweetener) may have potential health risks for certain individuals, such as those with phenylketonuria (PKU) or individuals sensitive to aspartame. It's important to moderate intake and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.


What type of anemia is a genetic disease typically found among people of African descent?

the disease is sickle cell


Is Crohns disease a genetic disorder?

There is a genetic component as family members of affected people are more likely to get it, however, most people with Crohn's Disease do not have affected family members so there are other factors that are probably more important.


Is RSV a genetic disease?

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is not a genetic disease. It is a common respiratory infection that affects people of all ages, particularly young children and older adults. RSV is caused by a virus, not by genetic factors.


What is the genetic disorder?

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an extremely rare genetic condition. It is said to affect 1 in 35,000 people.


What are the Social issues relating genetic engineering?

there are many issues dealing with genetic engineering, most people who go through genetic therapy come out with a disease, when they didn't before


Why a lethal dominant genetic disease persists in the gene pool?

A lethal dominant genetic disease can persist in a gene pool if carriers of the disease allele are able to reproduce before the disease manifests or if the disease provides a survival advantage in certain environments. Additionally, genetic mutations can arise spontaneously, contributing to the persistence of the disease.


Is there anything bad in phenylalanine?

No, it is simply put on packages and soda cans because there is a specific disease that can harm people if they ingest it. The disease is phenylketonuria, or PKU. It is a genetic disorder that keeps your body from metabolizing phenylalanine, which is an amino acid. If you have PKU and eat too much phenylalanine, it will cause mental retardation. NutraSweet has phenylalanine in it, so they don't want PKU sufferers to use it for obvious reasons. So...phenylalanine is okay for you if you don't have PKU.


Why are there no carrier states with the dominantly inherited traits?

Everyone who has the genetic error gets the disease, because the bad gene is dominant. There is no such thing as a carrier for a dominant disease. A few dominant genetic diseases like Huntington's disease only cause symptoms later in life, so that people cannot know that they have the disease in early life, but this is not the same as being a carrier: these people actually have the disease.