Aspartame Study | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 1/2/2013

Sugary drinks can lead to significant weight gain if used consistently. That`s why many people opt for a sugar-free variety. Unfortunately, a certain substitute sweetener comes with its own health risks.

"Aspartame is a low calorie sweetner and it`s made up of two amino acids and a small amount of methnol," said Beth Hubrich, Executive Director of Calorie Control Council.

Sugar substitutes provide sweetness to food without the calories of sugar. For years, there have been media reports linking aspartame to health problems like brain tumors.

"Is it safe? It is not safe? Should we be limiting it even more? We have to remember this substance we are taking it in a very small amount of it in a very small amount of it. Most people are not consuming it in larger quantities daily. So we have to look at that too sometimes we have to look at the benefit it might outweigh the risk," said Michelle Fundingsland, Outpatient Dietician at Trinity Health.

Before you crack open your next can of soda you may want to take a look at the ingredients to see what you actually are consuming.

"Aspartame is hundreds and hundreds times sweeter than sugar so a very very small amount is needed to get that same sweetness," said Hubrich.

Recently, some have speculated that diet soda may be responsible for the blood clot on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton`s brain.

Officials with soft drink companies say it is just speculation.

"Absolutely, the low calories sweetner such as aspartame are safe. They are safe so certainly people who want to incorporate them into their diet can," said Hubrich.

Aspartame is not only found in soda products, but its also found in several other sugar free items, such as powdered soft drinks, table sweetners, maple syrup, yogurt and chewing gum.

Aspartame can also have some benefits. It doesn`t contribute to tooth decay and can also extend sweetness of certain flavors without consuming the calories.

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