Thanks for the hoax info, but I took it more seriously than I would most "chain" letters because, in the case, the gentleman who sent it to me is someone I would not describe as an easy target for a hoax. (I'll pass back your message to him.)

So the FDA approves it, but Dr. Atkins recommends avoiding it. Why? It's said to cause problems in some people, and slow weight loss in others -- how exactly does it do that?

I wish there were more reliable information around. Before deciding one way or the other, I'd like to know what exactly it is that causes problems, or may cause problems in some people. Personally, I've had no problems with it yet.

I did find Splenda here, but I do like to drink a diet Dr. Pepper every day, and also to treat myself to sugarfree Jello occasionally. These products are made with aspartame.