Shun artificial sweeteners

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http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/21/stories/2005072102850200.htm

 

 

The Hindu

 

Shun artificial sweeteners

 

Staff Reporter

 

 

New study finds them full of harmful chemicals

 

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Diabetes Research Centre has warned people,

including children and diabetic patients, against use of artificial

sweeteners in their daily life as they contain harmful chemicals. A

study has revealed various side effects that have led to complications

especially among children.

 

Raising questions over the safety of such artificial sweeteners, the

DDRC has cautioned those suffering from various diseases against use

of such artificial sweeteners. According to the DDRC chairman, Ashok

Jhingan, a large number of health-conscious people and diabetic

patients use such sweeteners in diet drinks, diet chocolates, diet

readymade coffee, chewing gums, desserts or diet cakes. It was during

a check-up of that the adverse side effects of the artificial

sweeteners came to light. Many patients complained of different

symptoms and it was then that DDRC decided to conduct a detailed

research study of diabetics.

 

" Interestingly, parents of Type I and Type II diabetic children

complained of changes in the behaviour of their wards who were

consuming a lot of diet drinks, chocolates and other items. It was

observed that many of the children turned aggressive, complained of

lack of sleep and were found to be short tempered, " Dr. Jhingan said.

" One couple complained of pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and nausea

after consuming diet preparations. When they stopped consuming these

items prepared with artificial sweeteners, the symptoms disappeared. "

 

" A large number of Type II patients complained of headache, giddiness,

body and joint pains or failing memory after consuming such items and

these symptoms disappeared after they stopped taking these

sweeteners, " Dr. Jhingan said, adding that a comprehensive study was

done in ten Type I diabetic children and 28 cases of Type II patients.

" The above symptoms were observed in all the test cases confirming the

worst fears about the impact of artificial sweeteners on various

categories of people. "

 

Stating that people at large and diabetic patients should avoid use of

such sweeteners, Dr. Jhingan said these artificial sweeteners contain

aspartame that consists of aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol.

All these chemicals are harmful to the body and attack vital organs

that could lead to serious complications after prolonged use. He also

suggested that people suffering from hypertension, high blood

pressure, Parkinson disease, emotional and mental disorders and

pregnant women should avoid use of such items. " It is always better to

use natural sweeteners and products made out of it. "