WEBSITES ON ASPARTAME
Much is said on Aspartame. Scientific verdict cannot be based on few anecdotal reports and what you read in chain e-mails. Below is the list of websites that are the strongest opponents of aspartame. However, look what science has to say about all artificial sweeteners at the most authoritative level:
National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet: Artificial Sweeteners
American Cancer Society Statement on Aspartame
British Medical Journal Editorial on Aspartame Safety (2004)
European Food Safety Authority: Opinion of the Scientific Panel AFC Related to a New Long-term Carcinogenicity Study on Aspartame (2006) & Related Comment by Abegaz EG (2007)
Please also see the NutraSweet website which lists scientific studies for their product’s safety
If you are in doubt, don’t use it and if you still need to use a sweetener, you may want to try Splenda which doesn’t have the methanol connection
Danisco offers other alternative sweeteners too
Also think about whether there is anything wrong about sugar itself when used in moderation!
Even better, consider Fructose, the fruit sugar, with less glycemic index than regular sugar (sucrose). See Frusiana website
Links for claims against aspartame
http://www.spice-of-life.com/columns/aspartam.html
http://www.vegsource.com/davis/sweeteners.htm
But see these as well
* * * Nutrasweet’s response: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) (with scientific references) * * *
* * * Aspartame Information Service * * *
* * * Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Announcement on Aspartame * * *
* * * Green Facts on Aspartame * * *
Verdict
Chain e-mails do not establish facts. Only the scientific process does
Finally
Aspartame e-mails are not the only ones making rounds around the world
See a list of 'aspartame-related' and other hoax chain e-mails at Urban Legends
And, please do not ever circulate e-mails that tells you to do so. Use your own judgment.
M.Tevfik DORAK, MD, PhD