Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxa.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!floyd!harpo!ihnp4!ihuxa!trough
From: trough@ihuxa.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: nutrasweet (aspartame)
Message-ID: <348@ihuxa.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 19-Jan-84 15:21:09 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxa.348
Posted: Thu Jan 19 15:21:09 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Jan-84 02:18:37 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 27

It is my understanding that the active ingredients in aspartame are two
amino acids (thus the "natural" label in their ads). Also, the combination
was found by accident: an "alert" researcher of Searle's happened to stick
his finger in his mouth and found that it tasted sweet, and was able to
figure out what he had got on it to make it that way (he way apparently
alert but sloppy). Searle then developed aspartame as a product based
on the amino acid mixture. I believe that there are at least two other
ingredients in Equal (sugar substitute base on aspartame), one of which
is lactose (milk sugar).

	One of the two amino acids (phenyl something-or-other) is not
broken down by certain individuals (phenyl something-or-other 'ics),
who must be careful about their consumption of this chemical in their
day-to-day diet, which of course would make aspartame something for them
to avoid. The amino acid apparently can accumulate and cause (brain?)
damage in such people. "Normal" people have no such dietary restriction
and can process the small quantities of this amino acid in aspartame
(and the rest of their food) without problems.

	Considering the constituents of aspartame it seems hard to believe
that it could be harmful to most people. I personally would be disappointed
if it turned out to be harmful, because it seems to be an ideal sugar
substitute in things like pop and tea (not bad for teeth or waist).

				Chris Scussel
				AT&T Bell Laboratories
				Naperville, Illinois