Aspartame was approved for dry goods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983.
It was originally approved for dry goods on July 26, 1974, but objections filed by neuroscience researcher Dr. John W. Olney and consumer attorney James Turner in August 1974, as well as investigations of G.D. Searle's research practices caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put approval of aspartame on hold (December 5, 1974).
In 1985, Monsanto purchased G.D. Searle and made Searle Pharmaceuticals and The NutraSweet Company separate subsidiaries.
Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious, including seizures and death.
A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as part of aspartame dangers are:
According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumors
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's
- Multiple sclerosis
- Birth defects
- Fibroyalgia
- Mental retardation
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Even the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which usually understates problems and mimics the FDA party-line, recently stated in a review that glutamic acid should be avoided by women of childbearing age.
Phenylalanine (50 percent of aspartame)
Phenylalanine is an amino acid normally found in the brain. Persons with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize phenylalanine.
This leads to dangerously high levels of phenylalanine in the brain (sometimes lethal). It has been shown that ingesting aspartame, especially along with carbohydrates, can lead to excess levels of phenylalanine in the brain even in persons who do not have PKU.
This is not just a theory, as many people who have eaten large amounts of aspartame over a long period of time and do not have PKU have been shown to have excessive levels of phenylalanine in the blood.
Excessive levels of phenylalanine in the brain can cause the levels of serotonin in the brain to decrease, leading to emotional disorders such as depression.
It was shown in human testing that phenylalanine levels of the blood were increased significantly in human subjects who chronically used aspartame.
Even a single use of aspartame raised the blood phenylalanine levels.
In his testimony before the U.S. Congress, Dr. Louis J. Elsas showed that high blood phenylalanine can be concentrated in parts of the brain and is especially dangerous for infants and fetuses.
He also showed that phenylalanine is metabolized much more efficiently by rodents than by humans.
One account of a case of extremely high phenylalanine levels caused by aspartame was recently published by the Wednesday Journal in an article titled "An Aspartame Nightmare."
John Cook began drinking six to eight diet drinks every day. His symptoms started out as memory loss and frequent headaches. He began to crave more aspartame-sweetened drinks. His condition deteriorated so much that he experienced wide mood swings and violent rages.
Even though he did not suffer from PKU, a blood test revealed a phenylalanine level of 80 mg/dl. He also showed abnormal brain function and brain damage. After he kicked his aspartame habit, his symptoms improved dramatically.
Therefore, long-term, excessive use of aspartame may provide a boost to sales of serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as Prozac and drugs to control schizophrenia and seizures.
For those taking aspartame who simply want to observe a healthy diet, replace your aspartame with real sugar or honey. Although it may have more calories, it offers a far better solution than being poisoned.
Those who want to manage their weight problems are advised to seek a healthier course of action like eating more whole foods, vegetables and fruits and getting regular exercise.
Even the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which usually understates problems stated that any consumption of Aspartame containing products should be avoided
Instead of aspartame, consider using honey (preferably raw and local), pure maple syrup, organic un-refined Sucanat or Rapadura (or Florida Crystals) which have all the naturally occurring trace minerals, or buy or grow stevia herb.
Help protect your health and the health of those you love from being seduced by the sugar-free diet craze.
For those taking aspartame who simply want to observe a healthy diet, replace your aspartame with real sugar or honey. Although it may have more calories, it offers a far better solution than being poisoned.
Those who want to manage their weight problems are advised to seek a healthier course of action like eating more whole foods, vegetables and fruits and getting regular exercise.
Even the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which usually understates problems stated that any consumption of Aspartame containing products should be avoided
Instead of aspartame, consider using honey (preferably raw and local), pure maple syrup, organic un-refined Sucanat or Rapadura (or Florida Crystals) which have all the naturally occurring trace minerals, or buy or grow stevia herb.
Help protect your health and the health of those you love from being seduced by the sugar-free diet craze.
This is meant to inform, not scare, and I hope you will share it with your husband and older children. Let them read it for themselves; it may make a difference.
|SOURCES: Dr. Joseph Mercola, WebMd
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|SOURCES: Dr. Joseph Mercola, WebMd
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