Phenylalanine and Aspartame

Introduction to Drug Products Containing Phenylalanine
http://www.pkunews.org/diet/aspartame.htm

The information in this table of the phe content of aspartame-containing drug products was gathered by PKU father and pharmacist, Brandon Garde, Fairhaven, MA.

The table only includes name-brand products. There are so many different generic companies producing some of these products, particularly the vitamins, that it would be nearly impossible to make a complete listing of every generic manufacturer with the amount of phenylalanine in each of their products. But these tables provide a good guideline for what kind of products might contain aspartame as a sweetener (for example, chewable vitamins), so a pharmacist has a good idea about which product labels need to be closely read. In the U.S., any non-prescription medicine will list the phe content on the outside label. This will NOT apply to herbal products since they are not regulated by the FDA. Any prescription medicine will list the Phe content in the package insert, which the pharmacist should have readily available.

Any product that targets children as its main consumer has a high likelihood of containing aspartame. The product labeling should be carefully checked. The same is true for any product that is labeled "sugar-free."

Phenylalanine content equals one half the amount of aspartame. If a products label lists the amount of aspartame in mg, divide that number by 2 and you’ll know how much phe is in the product. Some drug products now actually contain the phe content on the label.

Table of Drug Products Containing Phenylalanine

Remember: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list. Generic brands are not included. Check with a pharmacist of you have questions about aspartame in medicines.

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Aspartame can be found on the ingredients list in the following products:

Soft drinks, over-the-counter drugs & prescription drugs (very common and listed under "inactive ingredients"), vitamin & herb supplements, yogurt, instant breakfasts, candy, breath mints, cereals, sugar-free chewing gum, cocoa mixes, coffee beverages, instant breakfasts, gelatin desserts, frozen desserts, juice beverages, laxatives, milk drinks, shake mixes, tabletop sweeteners, tea beverages, instant teas and coffees, topping mixes, wine coolers, etc. Eliminate or replace prescription drugs that contain aspartame -- the pharmacist can tell you the ingredients of drugs.

Many people make the mistake of not checking labels carefully and continue to poison themselves. (Note: In some countries such as Australia, the word "aspartame" may not appear on the label, but the phrase "Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine" appears instead. In Europe, aspartame may be listed on the label with an E Number of E951). Also, some drug and supplement manufacturers are allowed to avoid listing aspartame on the label if they state the words, "contains phenylalanine". In addition, many people do not realize that their children may be given aspartame- or other artificial sweetener-containing foods or drugs at school without their knowledge. Talk to the school director and to the local PTA to assure that this does not happen.

Aspartame - Worthy of a world wide warning?
http://aspartame.worldwidewarning.net/

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In July 2005, the most impeccable study ever done on aspartame (Ramazzini) confirmed what the FDA knew a quarter of a century ago, that aspartame is a multipotential carcinogen triggering leukemia, lymphoma, kidney cancer and cancer of the peripheral nerves, especially cranial. Only the rats fed aspartame developed malignant brain tumors. http://www.wnho.net/new_aspartame_studies.htm Originally the FDA revoked the petition for approval because it could not be proven to be safe and triggered brain tumors: http://www.wnho.net/fda_petition1.doc It also triggered mammary, uterine, ovarian, testicular, thyroid and pancreatic tumors.

Unfortunately, once aspartame was approved no drug on the market could be considered safe because aspartame interacts with all drugs and vaccines: http://www.wnho.net/aspartame_interacts.htm

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Sucralose (Splenda®) U.S. Product List
http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_products.htm

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Aspartame Disease: An FDA-Approved Epidemic
http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/7/aspartame_disease.htm

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New Mexico Legislators Demand Aspartame Withdrawal
http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=8757

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THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Aspartame sugar substitutes cause worrying symptoms from memory loss to brain tumours. But despite US FDA approval as a 'safe' food additive, aspartame is one of the most dangerous substances ever to be foisted upon an unsuspecting public.
http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/aspartame.html