torchbearer (and others), rev9 is correct. this was a poison that was, by chance, found to be sweet. it failed all FDA testing miserably, and there is a long, well-documented history of this (many books, websites and two great documentaries cover the subject). rumsfeld, in exchange for shares in the company, pushed it through and made a fortune. this chemical literally eats away at your brain and is associated with close to 100 neurological disorders.
Never, ever consume Aspartame. Really, never consume any soft drink whatsoever. This is a bit OT, but since we're talking about migraines, here's a few other reasons not to drink soft drinks.
1. The phosphoric acid and carbonic acid added to make bubbles make softdrinks the most acidic thing consumed by humans. It exasperates the condition of Acidosis and leaches calcium out of your bones to maintain a blood-pH of 7.3.
2. The chemical additives of artificial color, flavor and preservatives are toxic in your body and are very difficult to eliminate. Over time they accumulate and break down your immune system and can lead to every type of chronic disease known.
3. The sugar version has 7-10 teaspoons of refined sugar, the consumption of which wreaks havoc on your adrenaline and nervous system.
4. The aluminum from the can "outgases" into the beverage and enters your body and can cause any number of chronic diseases, particularly Altzheimers. In this case, "aluminum" won't be listed as an ingredient on the can, but you'll be getting plenty of it.
5. If you drink it from a two-liter plastic container, you are drinking "ptlatlets" or "plasticizers" which are the outgas of plastic, which enter the liquid and you, via the liquid. Plasticizers are linked to every known mental and physical disease. They are a fertilizer for cancer. They are a female hormone mimic and are the leading culprit in importency and sexual disfunction.
6. The caffeine pollutes your kidneys and wreaks havoc on your adrenaline system. This is the same for coffee so give that up too! Green tea has a healthier form of caffeine, some green teas have mateine, and green teas are loaded with anti-oxidants, the very thing you need to help you purge all these stored up toxins.
7. By consuming these chemicals you enrich the petroleum-chemical industry, who are the very enemies of our cause. Don't support them with your hard-earned money. All you'll get in return is cancer and migraines.
peace, jn