Also known as NutraSweet, Canderel, Equal and has E number (additive code) E951. It is commonly used in diet soft drinks.

Aspartame is the methyl ester of the dipeptide of the natural amino acids L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. Under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions, aspartame first generates methanol by hydrolysis. Under more severe conditions, the peptide bonds are also hydrolyzed, resulting in the free amino acids. It is a nonpolar molecule.

Some studies have also recommended further investigation into connections between aspartame and negative effects such as headaches, brain tumors, brain lesions and lymphoma.

• About NutraSweet - another trade-name for Aspartame

• Commons Hansard - Mr Roger Williams, MP calls on the British government to " ban the use and sale of aspartame" due to health concerns relating to this product.
• Aspartame (NutraSweet) Toxicity Info Center - Huge resource of information and symptoms of Aspartame.
• Aspartame Victims Support Group - A group founded in 1999 in response to the huge number of persons responding to the information available on the internet.
• Aspartame Dangers Revealed! - Comprehensive site detailing up-to-date information on Aspartame dangers and side effects.
• Questions on Aspartame - Questions and Answers on Aspartame.

Splenda is marketed as a No Calorie Sweetener that can lower carbohydrates and calories in recipes. For example, a cup of SPLENDA® Granular has 96 calories and 24 grams of carbohydrates, compared to the 770 calories and 192 grams of carbs found in a cup of sugar.

Although it doesn't contain Aspartame, we're currently unsure as to whether or not there are any associated health risks with it.

• Splenda FAQ - The manufacturers own FAQ web page.
• Sugar substitutes and the potential danger of Splenda - A critical article by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, published on the Women to Women website.