Question:
allergic reaction to sugar subsitute?

SINCE HAVING THE SURGERY 1 YR. AGO I HAVE BEEN USING SPLENDA, CRYSTAL LIGHT, AND OTHER SUGAR SUBS. AND I RECENTLY (OCT. 05) STARTED HAVING SEIZERS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A SEIZURE IN MY LIFE, MY SISTER-IN-LAW WAS READING WERE SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD ADVERSE EFFECTS FROM USING ASPERTAINE AND OTHER PRODUCTS, HAS ANYONE HAD THESES EFFECTS AND IF SO WHAT DID THEY DO ? I HAVE STOPPED USING THE SUGAR SUBSITUTES TO FLUSH MY SYSTEM YO SEE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. KATHERINE    — lady-k (posted on February 3, 2006)

February 3, 2006
Splenda or splenda products do not contain aspartme. I have seen no research that shows splenda causes seizures. Aspartme on the other hand when consumed in massive quanilites such as 3 or 4 pounds at a sitting which is near impossible was shown to cause seizure like affects. If is was a allergic reaction my best bet would have said you would have seen affects prior to now if you have been using it all a long. On that note I suggest 2 possibilities. 1- Is I would check your sugar level when these seizures occur. Many people have become hypoglycemic after surgery and a very low level could appear as a seizure. 2- not to alarm to but I have a sister who out of nowhere has adult onset epilepsy. I would really contact your doctor 1st. How did you do after you flushed your system? a good place to start is with the sugar , more than likely it is running low. Good luck to you. Remember ask your doctor and go to them that is what they are there for. good luck
   — LIGHTWEIGHT128

February 3, 2006
I think it is highly unlikely that it is a sugar substitute, and not to sound obvious, but you really should speak to a doctor about this. It could be any number of things, but the first thing that comes to my mind is that you might have a vitamin deficiency or even a toxicity if you are taking too much of one thing. If you haven't had your labs drawn in awhile, you should do that first and foremost, and then go on from there under a doctor's care.
   — Dinka Doo

February 3, 2006
I second Dinka's response.
   — RebeccaP

February 3, 2006
I am a NEURODIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIST- I test people for seizures with an EEG. I am also a post op RNY--hey---THERE IS evidence that aspartame(EQUAL, NUTRASWEET) can cause seizures, memory loss and headaches. This is well known in the Neurological medical community. Stop all intake of aspartame. READ labels. There are several products out now made with Splenda. I do not know of any similar study that has indicated adverse effects with Splenda-- this is the sweetner I use. I also use small amounts of SUGAR as it seems to be the safest sweetner. Of course, in SMALL quantities as it does contain calories. I would suggest that you continue to try to eliminate all chemicals for awhile. Have you seen a neurologist?
   — Dec16-04

February 4, 2006
Hi, I am extremely sensitive to aspartame myself. I am only 10 days post op RNY, but I was sensitive before surgery to it also. I stick to Splenda and there is an all natural sweetner called Stevia that you can get at mom & pop health food stores, not like GNC they don't carry it. It seems to work well fro most of us that are reactive. Hope this helps! SassyLu
   — SassyLu

February 5, 2006
I have heard the same, that aspartame could be implicated in seizures. Definately see a neurologist if you have not already. If you are ok to use splenda, you can substitute making kool-aid with splenda instead of sugar instead of crystal lite. It also can be used to make home made puddings and many other things. BTW _ wanted to add, I am really impressed at your progress especially considering all that you have been thru since surgery! Great Job!!!!!!
   — **willow**

February 6, 2006
I ofund thi interesting tidbit in the January Board: Check it out, you never know. Make sure you guys check your medicine cabinets! http://www.letstalkobesity.com/index.php?topic=678.0 This includes some appetite drugs too.
   — continuedmoon