Can Aspartame Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Q. I was surprised to read a letter in your column from a diabetic who gets headaches after using Equal. Some people may have trouble with this sweetener, but for me it has been a blessing.
I too am a diabetic and aspartame allows me to consume foods that would be off limits otherwise. I have noticed that my joints hurt less when I am using aspartame. At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but I am now convinced that Equal relieves my arthritis.
Just thought you would like another perspective on aspartame.

A. Thanks for your thoughtful response. Aspartame (Equal) appears to have analgesic activity. A report in the May 1998 issue of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics demonstrated significant relief from arthritis pain with aspartame compared to placebo. Researchers gave arthritis sufferers either four or eight tablets (totaling 76 or 152 mg) of the sweetener.
Aspartame appears to have some aspirin-like effects on bleeding and fever as well. This means it may increase bleeding time and should be used cautiously by those on blood thinners. Unlike aspirin, aspartame does not irritate the digestive tract.
We know that many people shun aspartame because it gives them headaches. There has also been research from Italy suggesting that this sugar substitute might have carcinogenic potential in a rodent model. Research published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine also confirms a possible cancer link.
For people who would like non-drug and non-artificial approaches to joint pain and arthritis treatment, we suggest either our Guide to Alternative Treatments for Arthritis or our book The People’s Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies from National Geographic. You will learn all about turmeric (curcumin), fish oil, pomegranate, cayenne, Certo and grape juice, cherry juice, gin and raisins, honey and vinegar, magnets, pineapple juice, sloe gin, soap and vitamin D.