According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following list contains a selection of chronic illnesses which may be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame (Mission Possible 1994)*:

Panic Attacks

Fibromyalgia

Lymphoma

Alzheimer's

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Multiple sclerosis

Brain tumors

Epilepsy

Anxiety

Parkinson's Disease

Mental retardation

Birth defects

Diabetes

*Note: In some cases such as MS, the severe symptoms mimic the illness or exacerbate the illness, but do not cause the disease.

Both the U.S. Air Force's magazine "Flying Safety" and the U.S. Navy's magazine, "Navy Physiology" published articles warning about the many dangers of aspartame including the cumulative deleterious effects of methanol and the greater likelihood of birth defects. The articles note that the ingestion of aspartame may make pilots more susceptible to seizures and vertigo (US Air Force 1992).  All we ask is to think about it.  If you are experiencing panic attacks try staying away from aspartame for a few months and see if your symptoms improve and your panic attacks subside.