Independent studies have shown formaldehyde formation, resulting from aspartame ingestion, to be extremely common. This cumulative reaction could spell grave consequences for those who consume aspartame-laden diet drinks and foods on a daily basis. The blood-brain barrier is a system of specialized capillary structures that are designed to prevent toxic substances from entering the brain. There are a number of medical conditions from diabetes, hypertension and smoking, to simple aging which can render the blood-brain barrier incompetent. Therefore, aspartame reactions have a tendency to be magnified among individuals who fit these profiles.
Fetal phenylalanine has the potential to reach levels that kill cells in tissue culture.
It's not much of a stretch to presume these concentrations harbor the threat of birth defects in the developing infant. Experimentally, it has been determined that infants are four times more sensitive to excitotoxins than adults. During the first year of life, irreversible brain damage can occur through agents contained in breast milk. Despite this, the American Dietetic Association still recommends aspartame for pregnant and nursing women. Aspartame Disease Aspartame disease refers to a constellation of symptoms attributed to the use of products containing aspartame.