|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
liveinkorea316
Joined: 20 Aug 2010
Location: South Korea
|
 Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:48 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
| murmanjake wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
| Sergio Stefanuto wrote: |
I've never overconsumed fizzy drinks, but funnily enough, I had a glass of Pepsi last night, and it was the first time in years and years that I've done so, having always drank diet/zero when I wanted a fizzy drink. It tasted just revolting. I much prefer sweetner. Not only that, I always have sweetner as opposed to sugar in tea and coffee as well (not Aspartame, though). Recently, I ran out and put sugar in instead - and I was similarly taken aback by how revolting sugar tasted.
I don't care how bad sweetner is for you. At least a can of diet coke isn't like eating six bowls of white rice. Oh, and ask me how many fillings I have in my teeth? None. And the so called health hazards of Aspartame are probably total bollocks anyway. |
How could it be bullocks? It's basic chemistry. Just go look up the actual molecular structure of aspartame (it's not very complex). The methyl-ester arm freely dissociates in water, and is then hydrolyzed straight into methanol in your stomach (a very low pH environment). Therefore you are consuming methanol (aka wood alcohol, a highly toxic substance that causes damage to your nervous system, eyes, brain, etc. even in small amounts, and is metabolized into formaldehyde). You may only get a trace amount from drinking a diet coke, but the effects accumulate in your body up over time.
As an aside, humans actually consume very trace amounts of methanol whenever we eat fruit, however it is naturally bound to pectin and just passes straight through the body without being absorbed at all. Aspartame, on the other hand, is an artificial chemical, and the unbound methanol is absorbed directly into the blood stream. |
So you're a chemist, huh? cool.
I'm not, but like wow, I wish I was after reading your post. Cause you know so much about methanol and its absorption into the bloodstream. Could you point me in the direction of some scientific theories that help explain your point? I'm just ignorant, that's all. Like most people, I have no idea what methanol is, how it is poisonous, what it's long-term effects are, how much naturally occurs in fruit, what it means to be unbound, why it isn't absorbed in the same way as unbound methanol, and I know absolutely nothing about its long-term toxicity rates.
I'm definitely impressed by your knowledge, so don't worry about that. I just feel vulnerable right now, because there is so much conflicting information on the web. Some scientists even claim that the methanol toxicity of aspartame is a conspiracy theory! Those charlatans. Surely it is a horrible poison, isn't that clear?
I just need a strong guide, someone with a keen sense for discerning fact from fiction. This age of misinformation can be so confusing![/i] |
I'll help you out. Visitorq is speaking fiction. Problem solved. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
visitorq
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 11:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| liveinkorea316 wrote: |
| murmanjake wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
| Sergio Stefanuto wrote: |
I've never overconsumed fizzy drinks, but funnily enough, I had a glass of Pepsi last night, and it was the first time in years and years that I've done so, having always drank diet/zero when I wanted a fizzy drink. It tasted just revolting. I much prefer sweetner. Not only that, I always have sweetner as opposed to sugar in tea and coffee as well (not Aspartame, though). Recently, I ran out and put sugar in instead - and I was similarly taken aback by how revolting sugar tasted.
I don't care how bad sweetner is for you. At least a can of diet coke isn't like eating six bowls of white rice. Oh, and ask me how many fillings I have in my teeth? None. And the so called health hazards of Aspartame are probably total bollocks anyway. |
How could it be bullocks? It's basic chemistry. Just go look up the actual molecular structure of aspartame (it's not very complex). The methyl-ester arm freely dissociates in water, and is then hydrolyzed straight into methanol in your stomach (a very low pH environment). Therefore you are consuming methanol (aka wood alcohol, a highly toxic substance that causes damage to your nervous system, eyes, brain, etc. even in small amounts, and is metabolized into formaldehyde). You may only get a trace amount from drinking a diet coke, but the effects accumulate in your body up over time.
As an aside, humans actually consume very trace amounts of methanol whenever we eat fruit, however it is naturally bound to pectin and just passes straight through the body without being absorbed at all. Aspartame, on the other hand, is an artificial chemical, and the unbound methanol is absorbed directly into the blood stream. |
So you're a chemist, huh? cool.
I'm not, but like wow, I wish I was after reading your post. Cause you know so much about methanol and its absorption into the bloodstream. Could you point me in the direction of some scientific theories that help explain your point? I'm just ignorant, that's all. Like most people, I have no idea what methanol is, how it is poisonous, what it's long-term effects are, how much naturally occurs in fruit, what it means to be unbound, why it isn't absorbed in the same way as unbound methanol, and I know absolutely nothing about its long-term toxicity rates.
I'm definitely impressed by your knowledge, so don't worry about that. I just feel vulnerable right now, because there is so much conflicting information on the web. Some scientists even claim that the methanol toxicity of aspartame is a conspiracy theory! Those charlatans. Surely it is a horrible poison, isn't that clear?
I just need a strong guide, someone with a keen sense for discerning fact from fiction. This age of misinformation can be so confusing![/i] |
I'll help you out. Visitorq is speaking fiction. Problem solved. |
Oh really. Fiction.
"Metabolism of aspartame and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester decomposition product by the porcine gut.
Burgert SL, Andersen DW, Stegink LD, Takeuchi H, Schedl HP.
Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Abstract
The intestinal metabolism of aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PME) decomposition product was evaluated in six young pigs. Equimolar doses (2.5 mmol/kg body weight) of APM, PME, and L-phenylalanine (PHE) administered to the proximal jejunum produced similar increases in portal blood PHE concentrations. Methanol, nondetectable in portal blood after PHE ingestion, increased markedly after administration of either APM or PME. Portal blood aspartate concentrations were unchanged after PME and PHE administration, but increased significantly after APM administration. Increases in portal blood PHE concentrations were significantly greater than were increases in aspartate concentrations following APM administration. Neither APM, PME, nor aspartyl-phenylalanine (AspPhe) were detected in portal or vena caval blood following administration of any test compound. Steady-state perfusion of the small intestine with APM showed a net intraluminal appearance rate of AspPhe at 36% of the disappearance rate of APM. During steady-state PME perfusion, PHE had a significantly greater net appearance rate than during APM perfusion. Methanol appearance rates were slightly, but not significantly, higher during PME than during APM perfusions. The data suggest that (1) APM is hydrolyzed to AspPhe and both APM and PME are hydrolyzed to their constituent amino acids and and methanol prior to entering the portal circulation; (2) AspPhe is an important intraluminal intermediate in aspartame metabolism; and (3) aspartate is rapidly metabolized by the enterocyte.
PMID: 1865825 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1865825
"In the synthesis of aspartame, the starting materials are a racemic mixture (equal quantities of both enantiomers) of phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. Only the L enantiomer of phenylalanine is used: this is separated from the racemate by reacting it with acetic anhydride and sodium hydroxide. If the product of this reaction is then treated with the enzyme porcine kidney acylase and an organic extraction with H+ carried out, the L enantiomer is found in the aqueous layer and the D enantiomer remains in the organic layer.
Treatment of L-phenylalanine with methanol and hydrochloric acid esterifies the �CO2H group, and this ester is then reacted with aspartic acid to give the final product. It is important that the amine group on aspartic acid is protected with carbobenzyloxy groups and the acid group nearest the amine protected with benzyl groups, to prevent the L-phenylalanine reacting with these and giving unwanted byproducts. The acid group that is required to react is activated with Castro�s reagent. Castro�s reagent is displaced as L-phenylalanine is added, but the protective groups must be removed after the reaction. Carbobenzyloxy is removed by a reaction with hydrogen and platinum (IV) oxide with methanol and chloroform; benzyl is removed by reaction with hydrogen/palladium/carbon plus methanol and chloroform, completing the aspartame synthesis.
Aspartame is hydrolysed in the body to three chemicals, aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%). Aspartic acid is an amino acid. Much research has been carried out to determine its behaviour in the body when it is taken in its free form, i.e. unbound to proteins. It is claimed that when it is ingested the blood plasma levels of aspartate and glutamate rise significantly. Both aspartate and glutamate act as neurotransmitters in the brain, carrying information from neuron to neuron. When there is an excess of neurotransmitter, certain neurons are killed by allowing too much calcium into the cells. This influx causes excessive numbers of free radicals to build up which kill the cells. The neural cell damage that is caused by excessive aspartate and glutamate is the reason they are referred to as �excitotoxins�: they �excite� or stimulate the neural cells to death.
Phenylalanine is another amino acid and is found normally in the brain. It is advised that people with the genetic disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU) do not consume aspartame as they are unable to metabolize the phenylalanine that is produced on its hydrolysis. A high level of phenyalanine in the brain is extremely harmful and sometimes fatal.
Methanol is highly toxic; it is gradually released in the small intestine when the methyl group of the aspartame encounters the enzyme chymotrypsin. It has been pointed out that some fruit juices and alcoholic beverages contain small amounts of methanol. It is important to remember, however, that methanol never appears alone. In every case, ethanol is present, usually in much higher amounts; ethanol reduces the effects of methanol toxicity in humans. "
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=24
And no I'm not a chemist. I'm not a rocket scientist either. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
comm
Joined: 22 Jun 2010
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm lost...
Is the evil corporate big sugar lobby putting out false reports that aspartame is dangerous?
OR
Is the evil corporate big aspartame lobby putting out false reports that it's safe? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
liveinkorea316
Joined: 20 Aug 2010
Location: South Korea
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 2:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Unfortunately visitorq the articles you cite don't show that aspartame is dangerous. It just shows some chemical facts about it. Too bad research has been done on human health related to aspartame and it was found safe - by 160 countries. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
visitorq
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 6:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| comm wrote: |
I'm lost...
Is the evil corporate big sugar lobby putting out false reports that aspartame is dangerous?
OR
Is the evil corporate big aspartame lobby putting out false reports that it's safe? |
Actually aspartame was created by a subsidiary owned by Monsanto corporation (the same company that brought us GMO corn for the toxic high fructose corn syrup that's in everything now). So they actually play both sides. It was Donald Rumsfeld who go it approved in the FDA, even though it caused organ failure and health problems in lab animal tests. As usual they just fudged the data and got it passed anyway. Nothing new there. The FDA approves hardcore psychotropic drugs for children and flu shots containing mercury that kill people, so whaddya expect? The government and the big corporations it props up care nothing whatsoever about you or your health. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
visitorq
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| liveinkorea316 wrote: |
| Unfortunately visitorq the articles you cite don't show that aspartame is dangerous. It just shows some chemical facts about it. Too bad research has been done on human health related to aspartame and it was found safe - by 160 countries. |
Oh give it a rest. It clearly shows that aspartame releases unbound methanol into the body. If you can't figure out that methanol is dangerous, then I guess you should go guzzle some down (see how that works out for you). As for the "research", aspartame has been shown to cause organ failure and brain tumors in rats. Data was omitted and altered up when presented for FDA approval.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6551291488524526735#
http://www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/government_cover_up.htm
Anyway, if you think the above is just conspiracy theory, then I suppose methanol must be good for you. No doubt mercury is good for you too - after all the mainstream media says it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlvzKfcykN0 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
blackjack
Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Location: anyang
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| visitorq wrote: |
| liveinkorea316 wrote: |
| murmanjake wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
| Sergio Stefanuto wrote: |
I've never overconsumed fizzy drinks, but funnily enough, I had a glass of Pepsi last night, and it was the first time in years and years that I've done so, having always drank diet/zero when I wanted a fizzy drink. It tasted just revolting. I much prefer sweetner. Not only that, I always have sweetner as opposed to sugar in tea and coffee as well (not Aspartame, though). Recently, I ran out and put sugar in instead - and I was similarly taken aback by how revolting sugar tasted.
I don't care how bad sweetner is for you. At least a can of diet coke isn't like eating six bowls of white rice. Oh, and ask me how many fillings I have in my teeth? None. And the so called health hazards of Aspartame are probably total bollocks anyway. |
How could it be bullocks? It's basic chemistry. Just go look up the actual molecular structure of aspartame (it's not very complex). The methyl-ester arm freely dissociates in water, and is then hydrolyzed straight into methanol in your stomach (a very low pH environment). Therefore you are consuming methanol (aka wood alcohol, a highly toxic substance that causes damage to your nervous system, eyes, brain, etc. even in small amounts, and is metabolized into formaldehyde). You may only get a trace amount from drinking a diet coke, but the effects accumulate in your body up over time.
As an aside, humans actually consume very trace amounts of methanol whenever we eat fruit, however it is naturally bound to pectin and just passes straight through the body without being absorbed at all. Aspartame, on the other hand, is an artificial chemical, and the unbound methanol is absorbed directly into the blood stream. |
So you're a chemist, huh? cool.
I'm not, but like wow, I wish I was after reading your post. Cause you know so much about methanol and its absorption into the bloodstream. Could you point me in the direction of some scientific theories that help explain your point? I'm just ignorant, that's all. Like most people, I have no idea what methanol is, how it is poisonous, what it's long-term effects are, how much naturally occurs in fruit, what it means to be unbound, why it isn't absorbed in the same way as unbound methanol, and I know absolutely nothing about its long-term toxicity rates.
I'm definitely impressed by your knowledge, so don't worry about that. I just feel vulnerable right now, because there is so much conflicting information on the web. Some scientists even claim that the methanol toxicity of aspartame is a conspiracy theory! Those charlatans. Surely it is a horrible poison, isn't that clear?
I just need a strong guide, someone with a keen sense for discerning fact from fiction. This age of misinformation can be so confusing![/i] |
I'll help you out. Visitorq is speaking fiction. Problem solved. |
Oh really. Fiction.
"Metabolism of aspartame and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester decomposition product by the porcine gut.
Burgert SL, Andersen DW, Stegink LD, Takeuchi H, Schedl HP.
Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Abstract
The intestinal metabolism of aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PME) decomposition product was evaluated in six young pigs. Equimolar doses (2.5 mmol/kg body weight) of APM, PME, and L-phenylalanine (PHE) administered to the proximal jejunum produced similar increases in portal blood PHE concentrations. Methanol, nondetectable in portal blood after PHE ingestion, increased markedly after administration of either APM or PME. Portal blood aspartate concentrations were unchanged after PME and PHE administration, but increased significantly after APM administration. Increases in portal blood PHE concentrations were significantly greater than were increases in aspartate concentrations following APM administration. Neither APM, PME, nor aspartyl-phenylalanine (AspPhe) were detected in portal or vena caval blood following administration of any test compound. Steady-state perfusion of the small intestine with APM showed a net intraluminal appearance rate of AspPhe at 36% of the disappearance rate of APM. During steady-state PME perfusion, PHE had a significantly greater net appearance rate than during APM perfusion. Methanol appearance rates were slightly, but not significantly, higher during PME than during APM perfusions. The data suggest that (1) APM is hydrolyzed to AspPhe and both APM and PME are hydrolyzed to their constituent amino acids and and methanol prior to entering the portal circulation; (2) AspPhe is an important intraluminal intermediate in aspartame metabolism; and (3) aspartate is rapidly metabolized by the enterocyte.
PMID: 1865825 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1865825
"In the synthesis of aspartame, the starting materials are a racemic mixture (equal quantities of both enantiomers) of phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. Only the L enantiomer of phenylalanine is used: this is separated from the racemate by reacting it with acetic anhydride and sodium hydroxide. If the product of this reaction is then treated with the enzyme porcine kidney acylase and an organic extraction with H+ carried out, the L enantiomer is found in the aqueous layer and the D enantiomer remains in the organic layer.
Treatment of L-phenylalanine with methanol and hydrochloric acid esterifies the �CO2H group, and this ester is then reacted with aspartic acid to give the final product. It is important that the amine group on aspartic acid is protected with carbobenzyloxy groups and the acid group nearest the amine protected with benzyl groups, to prevent the L-phenylalanine reacting with these and giving unwanted byproducts. The acid group that is required to react is activated with Castro�s reagent. Castro�s reagent is displaced as L-phenylalanine is added, but the protective groups must be removed after the reaction. Carbobenzyloxy is removed by a reaction with hydrogen and platinum (IV) oxide with methanol and chloroform; benzyl is removed by reaction with hydrogen/palladium/carbon plus methanol and chloroform, completing the aspartame synthesis.
Aspartame is hydrolysed in the body to three chemicals, aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%). Aspartic acid is an amino acid. Much research has been carried out to determine its behaviour in the body when it is taken in its free form, i.e. unbound to proteins. It is claimed that when it is ingested the blood plasma levels of aspartate and glutamate rise significantly. Both aspartate and glutamate act as neurotransmitters in the brain, carrying information from neuron to neuron. When there is an excess of neurotransmitter, certain neurons are killed by allowing too much calcium into the cells. This influx causes excessive numbers of free radicals to build up which kill the cells. The neural cell damage that is caused by excessive aspartate and glutamate is the reason they are referred to as �excitotoxins�: they �excite� or stimulate the neural cells to death.
Phenylalanine is another amino acid and is found normally in the brain. It is advised that people with the genetic disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU) do not consume aspartame as they are unable to metabolize the phenylalanine that is produced on its hydrolysis. A high level of phenyalanine in the brain is extremely harmful and sometimes fatal.
Methanol is highly toxic; it is gradually released in the small intestine when the methyl group of the aspartame encounters the enzyme chymotrypsin. It has been pointed out that some fruit juices and alcoholic beverages contain small amounts of methanol. It is important to remember, however, that methanol never appears alone. In every case, ethanol is present, usually in much higher amounts; ethanol reduces the effects of methanol toxicity in humans. "
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=24
And no I'm not a chemist. I'm not a rocket scientist either. |
The ADI of Aspartame is 50 milligrams. If 10% of this is changed to methanol then thats 5 milligrams converting to milliliters brings it to 3-4 milliliters spread out over the day.
and considering that the average consumption is 2% of the ADI, I really don't think there is much to worry about (0.8 millilitres)
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/aspartame.php#sisitsafe |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
liveinkorea316
Joined: 20 Aug 2010
Location: South Korea
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| blackjack wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
| liveinkorea316 wrote: |
| murmanjake wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
| Sergio Stefanuto wrote: |
I've never overconsumed fizzy drinks, but funnily enough, I had a glass of Pepsi last night, and it was the first time in years and years that I've done so, having always drank diet/zero when I wanted a fizzy drink. It tasted just revolting. I much prefer sweetner. Not only that, I always have sweetner as opposed to sugar in tea and coffee as well (not Aspartame, though). Recently, I ran out and put sugar in instead - and I was similarly taken aback by how revolting sugar tasted.
I don't care how bad sweetner is for you. At least a can of diet coke isn't like eating six bowls of white rice. Oh, and ask me how many fillings I have in my teeth? None. And the so called health hazards of Aspartame are probably total bollocks anyway. |
How could it be bullocks? It's basic chemistry. Just go look up the actual molecular structure of aspartame (it's not very complex). The methyl-ester arm freely dissociates in water, and is then hydrolyzed straight into methanol in your stomach (a very low pH environment). Therefore you are consuming methanol (aka wood alcohol, a highly toxic substance that causes damage to your nervous system, eyes, brain, etc. even in small amounts, and is metabolized into formaldehyde). You may only get a trace amount from drinking a diet coke, but the effects accumulate in your body up over time.
As an aside, humans actually consume very trace amounts of methanol whenever we eat fruit, however it is naturally bound to pectin and just passes straight through the body without being absorbed at all. Aspartame, on the other hand, is an artificial chemical, and the unbound methanol is absorbed directly into the blood stream. |
So you're a chemist, huh? cool.
I'm not, but like wow, I wish I was after reading your post. Cause you know so much about methanol and its absorption into the bloodstream. Could you point me in the direction of some scientific theories that help explain your point? I'm just ignorant, that's all. Like most people, I have no idea what methanol is, how it is poisonous, what it's long-term effects are, how much naturally occurs in fruit, what it means to be unbound, why it isn't absorbed in the same way as unbound methanol, and I know absolutely nothing about its long-term toxicity rates.
I'm definitely impressed by your knowledge, so don't worry about that. I just feel vulnerable right now, because there is so much conflicting information on the web. Some scientists even claim that the methanol toxicity of aspartame is a conspiracy theory! Those charlatans. Surely it is a horrible poison, isn't that clear?
I just need a strong guide, someone with a keen sense for discerning fact from fiction. This age of misinformation can be so confusing![/i] |
I'll help you out. Visitorq is speaking fiction. Problem solved. |
Oh really. Fiction.
"Metabolism of aspartame and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester decomposition product by the porcine gut.
Burgert SL, Andersen DW, Stegink LD, Takeuchi H, Schedl HP.
Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Abstract
The intestinal metabolism of aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) and its L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PME) decomposition product was evaluated in six young pigs. Equimolar doses (2.5 mmol/kg body weight) of APM, PME, and L-phenylalanine (PHE) administered to the proximal jejunum produced similar increases in portal blood PHE concentrations. Methanol, nondetectable in portal blood after PHE ingestion, increased markedly after administration of either APM or PME. Portal blood aspartate concentrations were unchanged after PME and PHE administration, but increased significantly after APM administration. Increases in portal blood PHE concentrations were significantly greater than were increases in aspartate concentrations following APM administration. Neither APM, PME, nor aspartyl-phenylalanine (AspPhe) were detected in portal or vena caval blood following administration of any test compound. Steady-state perfusion of the small intestine with APM showed a net intraluminal appearance rate of AspPhe at 36% of the disappearance rate of APM. During steady-state PME perfusion, PHE had a significantly greater net appearance rate than during APM perfusion. Methanol appearance rates were slightly, but not significantly, higher during PME than during APM perfusions. The data suggest that (1) APM is hydrolyzed to AspPhe and both APM and PME are hydrolyzed to their constituent amino acids and and methanol prior to entering the portal circulation; (2) AspPhe is an important intraluminal intermediate in aspartame metabolism; and (3) aspartate is rapidly metabolized by the enterocyte.
PMID: 1865825 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1865825
"In the synthesis of aspartame, the starting materials are a racemic mixture (equal quantities of both enantiomers) of phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. Only the L enantiomer of phenylalanine is used: this is separated from the racemate by reacting it with acetic anhydride and sodium hydroxide. If the product of this reaction is then treated with the enzyme porcine kidney acylase and an organic extraction with H+ carried out, the L enantiomer is found in the aqueous layer and the D enantiomer remains in the organic layer.
Treatment of L-phenylalanine with methanol and hydrochloric acid esterifies the �CO2H group, and this ester is then reacted with aspartic acid to give the final product. It is important that the amine group on aspartic acid is protected with carbobenzyloxy groups and the acid group nearest the amine protected with benzyl groups, to prevent the L-phenylalanine reacting with these and giving unwanted byproducts. The acid group that is required to react is activated with Castro�s reagent. Castro�s reagent is displaced as L-phenylalanine is added, but the protective groups must be removed after the reaction. Carbobenzyloxy is removed by a reaction with hydrogen and platinum (IV) oxide with methanol and chloroform; benzyl is removed by reaction with hydrogen/palladium/carbon plus methanol and chloroform, completing the aspartame synthesis.
Aspartame is hydrolysed in the body to three chemicals, aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%) and methanol (10%). Aspartic acid is an amino acid. Much research has been carried out to determine its behaviour in the body when it is taken in its free form, i.e. unbound to proteins. It is claimed that when it is ingested the blood plasma levels of aspartate and glutamate rise significantly. Both aspartate and glutamate act as neurotransmitters in the brain, carrying information from neuron to neuron. When there is an excess of neurotransmitter, certain neurons are killed by allowing too much calcium into the cells. This influx causes excessive numbers of free radicals to build up which kill the cells. The neural cell damage that is caused by excessive aspartate and glutamate is the reason they are referred to as �excitotoxins�: they �excite� or stimulate the neural cells to death.
Phenylalanine is another amino acid and is found normally in the brain. It is advised that people with the genetic disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU) do not consume aspartame as they are unable to metabolize the phenylalanine that is produced on its hydrolysis. A high level of phenyalanine in the brain is extremely harmful and sometimes fatal.
Methanol is highly toxic; it is gradually released in the small intestine when the methyl group of the aspartame encounters the enzyme chymotrypsin. It has been pointed out that some fruit juices and alcoholic beverages contain small amounts of methanol. It is important to remember, however, that methanol never appears alone. In every case, ethanol is present, usually in much higher amounts; ethanol reduces the effects of methanol toxicity in humans. "
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=24
And no I'm not a chemist. I'm not a rocket scientist either. |
The ADI of Aspartame is 50 milligrams. If 10% of this is changed to methanol then thats 5 milligrams converting to milliliters brings it to 3-4 milliliters spread out over the day.
and considering that the average consumption is 2% of the ADI, I really don't think there is much to worry about (0.8 millilitres)
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/aspartame.php#sisitsafe |
+1
From the same website:
| Quote: |
| Since the ADI has a built-in safety factor and represents a guideline for intake every day over a lifetime, occasional use of aspartame can be greater than the ADI without concern for safety. Tests with humans consuming much greater levels of aspartame than the ADI have shown no adverse side effects. Aspartame's ADI is the sweetness equivalency of consuming one pound of sugar per day. This amount of sweetness would be difficult for an individual to consume during one day, let alone every day over many months or years. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
blackjack
Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Location: anyang
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| sorry 2% of 4 is 0.08 not 0.8 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
visitorq
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
"Methanol poisoning typically induces nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and mild central nervous system depression. If ıt progresses , uncompansated metabolic acidosis develops and visual function becomes impaired, ranging from blurred vision and altered visual fields to complete blindness.(9). In the patient there was also a time between initial symptoms and the visual symptoms,this characteristic latent period is thought to result from the slow metabolism of methanol to the principal toxic product, formic acid."
http://www.ispub.com/journal/the_internet_journal_of_toxicology/volume_7_number_2_29/article/transdermal-methyl-alcohol-intox-cat-on-case-report.html
Anyway, it's a simple, straightforward fact that methanol is metabolized into formaldehyde and formic acid (carcinogenic). Even if it's in very small amounts, why on earth would you want to drink this stuff? If they laced your coke with trace amounts of formaldehyde and listed it in the ingredients, would you still rationalize and drink it? How about cyanide? Obviously anything in a small enough amount isn't going to kill you dead on the spot, but if you drink it everyday, the chronic effects add up.
I would take government daily intake recommendations with a mountain of salt too. The government lies about everything. Trust the FDA at your peril. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
murmanjake
Joined: 21 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| visitorq wrote: |
[i]"
Anyway, it's a simple, straightforward fact that methanol is metabolized into formaldehyde and formic acid (carcinogenic). Even if it's in very small amounts, why on earth would you want to drink this stuff? If they laced your coke with trace amounts of formaldehyde and listed it in the ingredients, would you still rationalize and drink it? How about cyanide? Obviously anything in a small enough amount isn't going to kill you dead on the spot, but if you drink it everyday, the chronic effects add up.
I would take government daily intake recommendations with a mountain of salt too. The government lies about everything. Trust the FDA at your peril. |
by your same logic, why would anyone eat fruit? It contains methanol!
You can't win this one by trying to trigger a gut reaction. That's just the kind of science that you are railing against, a science that attempts to convince rather than explain.
I'm not decided either way on the safety of aspartame, simply because I don't have enough information. I've been reading a ton on this subject, but not just from anti-aspartame sites, as you seem to do. There is an obvious agenda there, and the argument is too often emotionally charged. My gut reaction is that the anti-aspartame crowd is a little rabid and biased in their own way(like, c'mon how the fvck can't you see that it's bad for you it's formaldehyde, that's poison!!!!!!!). But I'm not letting my reaction drive me to the other camp.
From reading about the dangers of MSG, the "excitotoxin" theory does seem to hold a bit more ground. But I don't see anyone playing that card.
And that silly phenylalanine scare tactic. I've seen numerous anti-aspartame websites imply that this is a dangerous chemical. Sure, it is to a select group of people, and they should avoid aspartame containing foods. Just as they should avoid milk, meat, and fruits, which happen to contain far greater amounts of the chemical than aspartame.
Reading this "timeline of aspartame approval" was interesting. I don't know if it is the full picture, but from the picture it paints, the politics surrounding aspartame's approval sound pretty sketchy.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_16871.cfm
I do want to know more about the "hoax" that wikipedia refers to in its article about the aspartame controversy. But is the dismissal of the anti-aspartame argument on these grounds an even greater hoax? In this age of information, the truth has become slicker, and deceivers have more tools at their disposal than ever.
If, as you say, the government lies about everything, what makes your source of information any more trustworthy?
[/url] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Draz
Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Location: Land of Morning Clam
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| robot wrote: |
Uh... yeah, dude; aspartame fear was a huge 80's thing.
[and just to clarify, it should be feared. stuff is nasty. and my mom (who for decades has exclusively drank diet cola, hardly ever juice or water, and now has all sorts of memory and heart problems) is likely proof of these claims] |
Too much of anything isn't healthy. A pop once a week never hurt anyone, diet or otherwise. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
visitorq
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| murmanjake wrote: |
| visitorq wrote: |
[i]"
Anyway, it's a simple, straightforward fact that methanol is metabolized into formaldehyde and formic acid (carcinogenic). Even if it's in very small amounts, why on earth would you want to drink this stuff? If they laced your coke with trace amounts of formaldehyde and listed it in the ingredients, would you still rationalize and drink it? How about cyanide? Obviously anything in a small enough amount isn't going to kill you dead on the spot, but if you drink it everyday, the chronic effects add up.
I would take government daily intake recommendations with a mountain of salt too. The government lies about everything. Trust the FDA at your peril. |
by your same logic, why would anyone eat fruit? It contains methanol!
You can't win this one by trying to trigger a gut reaction. That's just the kind of science that you are railing against, a science that attempts to convince rather than explain. |
I'm not trying to trigger a gut reaction. It's just common sense. And I've already covered the methanol in fruit (not sure if you read it earlier) - it is bound at a molecular level to pectic and passes through the body without being absorbed. Moot point.
| Quote: |
| I'm not decided either way on the safety of aspartame, simply because I don't have enough information. I've been reading a ton on this subject, but not just from anti-aspartame sites, as you seem to do. There is an obvious agenda there, and the argument is too often emotionally charged. My gut reaction is that the anti-aspartame crowd is a little rabid and biased in their own way(like, c'mon how the fvck can't you see that it's bad for you it's formaldehyde, that's poison!!!!!!!). But I'm not letting my reaction drive me to the other camp. |
I honestly don't really care what you do. If you want to consume a product containing unbound methanol, go for it. If you want to take flu shots with mercury, knock yourself out. Actually, I kind of hope you and others will make healthy choices, but the choice is yours (I'm not telling you what to do). I for one avoid these products. If I have a diet coke once I know it's not going to kill me, but no way would I drink it regularly.
| Quote: |
| From reading about the dangers of MSG, the "excitotoxin" theory does seem to hold a bit more ground. But I don't see anyone playing that card. |
I've discussed this on other threads. I avoid MSG (esp. hard to do since I live in Bangkok, but I make the effort and ask them not to add it to my food).
| Quote: |
| If, as you say, the government lies about everything, what makes your source of information any more trustworthy? |
Valid question, don't really have a definitive answer. There's a lot of misinformation out there. Ultimately you have to make up your own mind. However, the government has been caught red handed deliberately lying so many times, that you pretty much couldn't do worse than to place your faith in what they say. Be skeptical, buyer beware and all that. A lot of people just assume the government is their guardian there to watch over and protect them, when nothing could be further from the truth. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
murmanjake
Joined: 21 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm having trouble finding information about how pectin regulates the absorption of methanol.
Do you have any sources explaining the mechanism? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
