Health effects of aspartame

Aspartame doesn’t cause cancer in humans, according to a large study released last week. Aspartame, of course, is the artificial sweetener better known by its brand names, such as NutraSweet and Equal.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) researchers surveyed more than half a million people, aged 50 to 69, about their food and beverage consumption over a period of five years. Researchers found no link between aspartame intake and cancer risk.

This study was greeted by mainstream media reports as if it were the last word on the safety of aspartame, but it certainly is not. Here are three reasons why:

1) Scientists and researchers know that no single study closes the book on any health issue. The length of this study is somewhat impressive, but many people consume aspartame in steady daily doses for years. If the NCI team follows these same subjects for another decade or two and comes back with the same results, THEN I’ll be impressed.

2) Cancer isn’t the only potential health risk associated with aspartame. In the e-Alert “Quotes of the Day” (2/21/06), I told you about a list of reported adverse reactions to aspartame released by the Department of Health and Human Services in 1994. Items on that list included chest pains, asthma, arthritis, migraine headaches, insomnia, seizures, tremors, vertigo, and weight gain.

3) Earlier this year, Dr. Ralph G. Walton (a professor of psychiatry) told the New York Times that in 92 independently funded studies, 84 identified adverse health effects of aspartame. Dr. Walton added that in the mental health facility where he is the clinical director, he’s observed that aspartame intake is an aggravating factor in people with depression and bipolar disorders.

In short, newscasters and reporters who casually cite the NCI cancer study as if every thing, once and for all, is okie dokie with aspartame, are misleading their audience.

Sources:
“Federal Study Rejects Aspartame Risks” Marilynn Marchione, Associated Press, 4/4/06, ap.org
“The Lowdown on Sweet?” Melanie Warner, New York Times, 2/12/06, nytimes.com