Consuming low-calorie products such as diet sodas lets students avoiding the freshman 15 feel as though they can have their artificially sweetened cake and actually eat it too.

Of course, what many people think is a healthier alternative may actually be a death trap because artificial sweeteners like Splenda contain a controversial chemical called aspartame which is linked to a number of diseases. Not only should this chemical be banned, but more people need to be aware of the dangers of aspartame.

Aspartame is a chemical formed from amino acids. It was discovered by James Schlatter, a chemist testing it as a candidate for an anti-ulcer drug. Schlatter mistakenly licked his fingers during testing.

Aspartame was studied by the FDA and the chemical indicated a possible risk for cancer; it was not approved until 1981, after reviewing a Japanese study, and for dry foods only.

In 1983, it was approved for use in beverages, and all restrictions allowing aspartame to be used were removed in 1996. Of the people I questioned, only one out of three knew what aspartame was.

“I just heard it [aspartame] caused cancer; I saw it on T.V,” said sophomore sociology major Taylor Morris. This is also a common misconception as aspartame is linked to much more than cancer.

According to Dr. Janet Star Hull, creator of the Aspartame Detoxification Program, “…aspartame can cause side effects which can occur gradually, have immediate effects, or can be acute reactions.”

Hull’s Web site even lists 64 possible side effects including: suicidal tendencies and depression, epileptic seizures, high blood pressure and migraines. She also lists 18 diseases which aspartame may trigger, cause or mimic.

Another issue is the growing trend of this additive. In an article posted by Good Morning America, ABC News’ medical contributor Dr. Marie Savard stated “The truth is, we’re putting artificial sweetener in so many different things. In water, in yogurt; it is unclear the results only adhere to diet sodas.”

Aspartame is also in chewing gum, cereal, vegetable drinks and nutrition bars. This is a perfect example thinking you’re eating healthy but your yogurt may contain chemicals that are harmful to your body.

Aside from being unaware of what contains aspartame, someone watching his or her weight should stay away from sodas and sweets in general, not try to replace them.

“If you stop drinking soda you can lose 10 to 15 pounds; that is what happened with me,” said junior accounting major Robert Bolte, Jr.

Not only does eliminating soda and other foods made with aspartame put a person at a lower risk for health complications, it can help you lose weight, which was the intended goal of artificial sweeteners in the first place.

In the long run, your overall health may be worth more than the aspartame shortcut. Take the time to consider the bitter pitfalls of this artificial sweetener.