They do not develop the disease, but may be sensitive to phenylal. Unfortunately, there is no test for the one gene condition. Dr. Wurtman says that a typical adult who drinks about four or five aspartame sweetened soft drinks a day might introduce enough phenylal into the brain to affect the synthesis of brain neurotransniitters, possibly leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, increased appetite and even seizures. The relative concentration of phenytal and spartic acid, the two amino acids in aspartame, is ten times higher than found in foods. Aspartame promotion literature implies that the body treats these two amino acids differently than if they were derived from fruits, vegetables, milk or meat.
Many researchers strongly disagree with the promotional claims.
Physician and aspartame researcher, Dr. H.J. Roberts, M.D., says, There are profound differences in both the rate of digestion and the degree of digestion and the degree of absorption depending on whether these amino acids are provided by food or by aspartame. Consumed in their natural state, in foods, these aminoacids are digested and released into the bloodstream slowly, he says, buffered and balanced by other amino acids. When aspartame is consumed, however, especially in beverages, the body is suddenly deluged with large amounts of phenylal and aspartic acid, which can -then cross into the brain unopposed and cause significant disturbances of the brain neurotransmitters and endocrine functions. These misdiagnosed cases are often referred to doctor after doctor at great expense to the patients and health care system. A Guide to the -Interpretation of Severe Illness.