Mainstream views? I look at the science Mrs R, then form an opinion based on reports from people who know, and not people thinking the governments are out to kill them.
OK, so you have some sort of reaction to it. Your post read "just the word aspartame does it for me". That was pretty vague, so I asked for a bit more information - oddly you've seen it as something to get all ranty and angry about instead of being civil. A terrible shame.
Ahhh, so there's more to it than just a burning sensation when you've taken it. Of course aspartame is associated with potential health risks. The fact is, though, that you would need to be taking in huge amounts to get to those risks. I would point you to the science, but hey, it could be classed as "mainstream" and everything "mainstream" is just fooling people right.
I agree, it is worrying. However, you would need to be drinking the equivalent of 19 cans of diet coke every day before you reached the levels classed as "excessive" by various health organisations. Again, I doubt you are interested in the actual science.
On this, I tend to agree. My basic understanding is that the body still produces insulin and that may cause cravings for sugary foods. However, I don't think this has been researched enough so I remain open minded (as I am with all things except Tan) because if I see evidence that can change my mind, then that evidence will change my mind. I get the feeling I could provide you with evidence that Monsanto is not as evil as some say, and that aspartame only causes issues when used excessively (like red meats, the sun and all things) - but your mind is already made up.