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Does Aspartame Cause Depression, Insomnia, Hyperactivity, and Mood Swings?

The chemicals in aspartame block normal serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is the brain chemical made from tryptophan (outlawed in the USA by the FDA). Proper serotonin production during daylight hours stimulates the respective production of melatonin during the nighttime, which secures deep sleep.

In 1971, Mary Coleman, MD documented that the average concentrations of serotonin in the blood platelets of hyperactive children were lower than in children less active. Hyperactivity lessens as serotonin levels rise.

Serotonin levels are generally lower in depressed individuals than in those who are not. The body gets serotonin (and tryptophan) from a healthy diet. Aspartame suppresses serotonin, so a diet saturated with aspartame creates an environment for depression, sleep disorders, hyperactivity and sever mood swings.

FYI: The addition of vitamin B6 can help raise serotonin levels.