I shall answer that question, but real quick Splenda is not "Aspartame" Equal is. Splenda is "Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Sucralose." none of which combinded to make Aspartame. In addition Splenda comes from a synthisized raw form of sugar making it healthier than the other 2 sweetner obtions.
Now High Fructrose Corn Syrup. This article was published in the Miami Herald on Tuesday March 2, 2004(
www.herald.com)also mentioned in the South Beach Diet book authored by Dr. Agatson (
www.southbeachdiet.com).
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP: Derived from cornstarch, usually a combination of 55% fructose and 45% sucrose. Treated with an enzyme that converts glucose to fructose, which results in a sweeter product. Used in soft drinks, baked goods, jelly, syrups, fruits and desserts.
The body processes the fructose in high fructose corn syrup differently than it does old fashioned cane or bet sugar, which in turn alters the way metabolic-regulating hormones function. It also forces the liver to kick more fat out into the bloodstream. The end result is that our bodies are essentially tricked into wanting to eat more and at the same time, we are storing more fat.
For each can of soda in this case Sunkist it has over 10 1/2 tspns of sugar.
There are other sites you can visit that can also tell you about this ingredient. As far as a cyclist and how it affects you it may be one of the leading causes to the infamous "bonk" this just leads the what has been previously stated, the bodies inability to metabolize the sugar and producing to much insulin giving you the hypoglycemia feeling.