Aspartame, also known as NutraSweet and several other trade names, contains methanol (wood alcohol) which is in itself a poison (causes blindness and other severe physical and neurological problems). Methanol toxicity (caused by ingesting too much methanol) is very similar to Multiple Sclerosis which can lead to incorrect diagnosis. MS is not in itself fatal, methanol toxicity is.

When methanol exceeds 86°F (30°C) it converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis (abnormal lowering of the pH level of the blood). The methanol in the Aspartame converts to formaldehyde in the retina of the eye. Formaldehyde is grouped in the same class of drugs as cyanide and arsenic however it is much slower acting and causes neurological problems as it develops.

People who drink three to four 12oz cans of diet drinks such as Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi are prone to Systemic Lupus as well as methanol toxicity. Note that for children much smaller amounts are required. When a patient is taken off aspartame, the Systemic Lupus ceases to become worse but will leave permanent results. In the case of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (but is methanol toxicity) most of the symptoms disappear.

Typical symptoms of methanol toxicity caused by Aspartame are: spasms, shooting pains, numbness in the legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss.

Memory loss is another aspect of methanol toxicity due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine (also in Aspartame) are neurotoxic. They go past the blood/brain barrier and deteriorate the neurons of the brain by overstimulating them. Aspartame can cause seizures and changes the dopamine level in the brain. Unbalanced dopamine levels can cause brain dysfunction.

The neurological effects of phenylalanine in Aspartame break down the seizure level and deplete seratonin (which allows nerves to communicate with one another) potentially resulting in manic depression, panic attacks, rage and violence. Note that the most "cola" drinks contain caffeine which is a stimulant, a depressed person will drink more cola in order to stimulate themselves (which will work in the short term) but they will inevitably become worse.

Aspartame is particularly problematic for diabetics. The effect of aspartic acid on the retina may cause a doctor to misdiagnose the problem as retinopathy and the treatment will not work. In addition, aspartame has unpredictable effects on the blood sugar which may result in diabetics going into a coma.

If it says "SUGAR-FREE" don't take it.