Does Aspartame Affect Fibromyalgia?
Most of us know now that Aspartame isn’t good for us. It has been said to cause cancer and other health issues, BUT does it have a link to fibromyalgia?
I have been doing some research and found several interested articles, studies and videos. Check out this study done from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21176433
” We report for the first time an unusual musculoskeletal adverse effect of aspartame in two patients. A 50-year-old woman had been suffering from widespread pain and fatigue for more than 10 years leading to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. During a vacation in a foreign country, she did not suffer from painful symptoms since she had forgotten to take her aspartame. All of the symptoms reappeared in the days following her return when she reintroduced aspartame into her daily diet. Thus, aspartame was definitively excluded from her diet, resulting in a complete regression of the fibromyalgia symptoms. A 43-year-old man consulted for a 3-year history of bilateral forearm, wrist, and hand and cervical pain with various unsuccessful treatments. A detailed questioning allowed to find out that he had been taking aspartame for three years. The removal of aspartame was followed by a complete regression of pain, without recurrence. We believe that these patients’ chronic pain was due to the ingestion of aspartame, a potent flavoring agent, widely used in food as a calorie-saver. The benefit/ risk ratio of considering the diagnosis of aspartame-induced chronic pain is obvious: the potential benefit is to cure a disabling chronic disease, to spare numerous laboratory and imaging investigations, and to avoid potentially harmful therapies; the potential risk is to temporarily change the patient’s diet. Thus, practitioners should ask patients suffering from fibromyalgia about their intake of aspartame. In some cases, this simple question might lead to the resolution of a disabling chronic disease. ”
So that was just one study. If you are still with me so far lets look at what Aspartame is for those that might not know.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a zero calorie sweetener that is used most diet sodas and other beverages like teas. It is also used in sugar-free candies, gum and baked goods. Aspartame can often be found under the brand names Nutra-Sweet and Equal. Even though aspartame is approved by the FDA as of writing this article, many believe there are neurological side effects from eating or drinking products that have aspartame.
Another Study
The use of aspartame may increase pain in people who have fibromyalgia, according to a study published in 2001 by the Annals of Pharmacotherapy. In the study, women who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia gradually decreased their intake of aspartame and another food additive called monosodium glutamate. While the women’s pain levels decreased when they stopped consuming the two food additives, their pain levels increased as soon as the additives were introduced back into their diet. Source: www.livestrong.com – Aspartame & Fibromyalgia – By: S. Davis
Final Thoughts
Fibro is a complex condition that effects many people in many different ways. It is hard to say for sure if Aspartame really plays a role in fibromyalgia or not. It does seem from these studies and stories that it does at least affect some patients with fibro. Bottom line is that Aspartame probably is a good thing for your body regardless, so maybe you should consider weaning off it and see if it helps you!
We would love to hear your feedback. Has Aspartame effected your fibro? Has coming off helped your symptoms?
Resources/Credits: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21176433, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/aspartame, livestrong.com
About Author
Ryan Tomlinson | Website | Twitter
I am a Father of 2 wonderful boys and husband to my beautiful wife. My wife was Assessed with fibromyalgia and has been in a lot of pain. I started this blog as place to share my research on fibro diets and treatments. We have decided not to claim this condition and try to beat it naturally. The site is for me and my family just as much as it is for you. I hope these articles help in some small way!