ASPARTAME and MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

It is sometimes stated that people with MS should avoid all food and drink products that contain aspartame. Furthermore, it is sometimes claimed that people with MS should use stevia, or sweetleaf, a non-sugar, herbal sweetener, as a sugar or aspartame substitute.

Aspartame has not been shown to cause MS or worsen symptoms in any well-conducted scientific studies. Some limited work has suggested that aspartame may increase depression and provoke migraines in some people. Rizatriptan (Maxalt-MLT), a migraine medication that contains aspartame, may worsen headaches in those whose migraines are aspartame-provoked.

Aspartame is a theoretical concern because biochemical processes in the body may convert it to methanol and then to formic acid. This compound may produce serious toxicity. Despite this, it has been shown that even consuming large quantities of soft drinks containing aspartame does not cause significantly increased levels of methanol or formic acid in the blood.

Safety information on stevia is limited, but some data suggest it may cause abdominal fullness, decreased blood glucose levels, decreased blood pressure, and nausea. Headaches, muscle pain, numbness, and dizziness may also occur. People allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (chrysanthemums, marigold, daisies, and ragweed) may suffer allergic reactions to stevia. Long-term safety information about stevia is not available, and thus the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently lists it as an “unsafe food additive.” However, stevia is still imported legally as a dietary supplement.

Due to the lack of compelling data, there is no reason at this time to specifically recommend that people with MS avoid aspartame. A reasonable aspartame intake has not been shown to worsen MS or its associated symptoms. A small subgroup of people may experience aspartame-related symptoms, such as headaches or depression. Discontinuing aspartame intake for a trial period may help people decide if they are part of this subgroup. If benefits are noted, then it may be wise to avoid aspartame use.

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