bulldog
03-26-2005, 12:05 AM
ever wonder why it is there.....well here it is
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is one of the two components present in Aspartame.
All products sweetened with Aspartame (also known by the brand name NutraSweet) carry a statement on the label to alert those individuals who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine. The statement reads "Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine."
Phenylketonurics are people with a rare genetic disorder (it affects approximately 1 out of every 15,000 babies born). It is characterized by a marked inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. People with this disease become ill if they eat foods that contain phenylalanine. For the rest of the population it is completely safe.
A test at birth determines whether or not this genetic disease is present, and individuals are placed on special diets which restrict phenylalanine intake.
An eight-ounce glass of milk has more than 4 1/2 times as much phenylalanine as a 12-ounce Diet Pepsi.