Also Aspartame used as artificial sweetener in soda, and in many other alimentary products, is suspected to promote seizures and many other health problems. There were already attempts to outlaw Aspartame, but the political interests behind it seem to be more important than the health, so it will likely not happen any soon. However, if you regularly consume drinks or food with artificial sweeteners, or use chewing-gums, I highly recommend studying about the effects of aspartame.
Some scientists go even so far that they call Aspartame a dangerous neurotoxin.
There also some other effects of Aspartame that may have great influence on the performance or safety while freediving.
There are some links here below, but you will certainly find many more:
Effect of aspartame on seizures in various models ...[Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1988] - PubMed Result
Fernandina Beach, FL, News-Leader newspaper. The local news source for Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, FL
Bad News about products with Aspartame
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 13:38:14 -0500
Aspartame-induced dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension. - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients | Encyclopedia.com
Aspartame-induced arrhythmias and sudden death.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor) - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients | Encyclopedia.com
aspartame seizure - Google Search
aspartame acidosis - Google Search
aspartame apnea - Google Search