There are long-term effects of aspartame on the male reproductive system

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I know, I know, I am back on the topic of aspartame, but today, I am focusing on how it affects men, so listen up.

Whenever I write an article about aspartame, I receive varying feedback, some people think that aspartame is fine, “I have been using it forever, and my doctor told me it is okay, so I am going to keep using it. It is better than sugar after all.” Others agree with the studies that continue to show the damaging effect of aspartame over time in the human body.

Regardless of where you stand on this topic, more and more consumers are concerned about the quality and safety of foods produced by industrialized countries; in particular, because of the usage of artificial sweeteners, flavourings, dyes, preservatives and food supplements.

Aspartame is one of the most commonly consumed artificial sweeteners and is widely used in foods and beverages. There are reports about aspartame toxicity in different tissues; however, on the subject of its effects on the reproductive system, there is not a lot of literature available. I did do a little research, and I wanted to share my findings with you.

The topic; how aspartame affects male fertility? Many different medical conditions and other factors can contribute to fertility problems, and an individual case may have a single cause, several causes, or—in some cases—no identifiable cause.

Overall:

• One-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues
• One-third by female reproductive issues
• One-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors

In a research study titled, “Long-Term Effect of Aspartame on Male Reproductive System: Evidence for Testicular Histomorphometrics, Hsp70-2 Protein Expression and Biochemical Status,” the findings elucidated that long-term consumption of aspartame resulted in reproductive damages in male mice through induction of oxidative stress. In non-scientific terms, ingesting aspartame over a long period of time, can affect a man’s sperm count.

During my research I was introduced to Dr. Arvind Vaid a well-known gynaecologist  and obstetrician in Delhi specializing in  IVF  and infertility treatment. He has over a decade of experience in the treatment of infertility and has helped a number of patients in having a child through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). He has spoken to how foods, and certain drinks can aid in infertility, “Almost all of the soft drinks and sodas contain aspartame which is linked to many health problems including infertility, malformations and miscarriages.”

He added that, “Excess consumption leads to hormonal imbalance and fluctuation that causes ovulatory disorders and even worsens PMS. Sperm and ovum, being cells, have a 90% chance of dying when this is consumed in excess. It is advised by many doctors and experts to avoid anything that helps in the formation of free radicals in the body for the significance of reproductive health.”

Other experts say that the problem is the isolation of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. When not with other amino acids, eating the unaccompanied aminos leads to free radical damage and stimulating healthy cells to death. The by-product of aspartame actually metabolizes into formaldehyde and accumulates in the tissues of rats for a long time after oral exposure. Substances like this are often called excitotoxins and excite brain cells to death.

Rachna Jaiswar, associated with Gynecology Department of Safdarjung Hospital, notes that sperm cells cannot find enough nutrients in a high pH environment and adds: “Soda is a highly acidic beverage, which alters the pH level of the body with excess consumption.” 

My goal is not to scare you, but to remind you to moderate your intake of products that contain aspartame. Our children are consuming these products more and more, and what we don’t want is for this to affect them later on in life.