Aspartame Experts: Consumer Information Sites

The Gateway

The Gateway reported on a recent review in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, which debunks the alleged rumors that aspartame is related to a variety of health problems. The article notes, "While countless Internet sites have long warned of the dangers of the artificial sweetener aspartame, a recent study suggests that the substance is safe. The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, reviewed 55 studies of the artificial sweetener to assess the link between aspartame and brain tumours, seizures and the effect on blood-sugar control. It found no evidence of a direct connection."

URL: http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/view.php?aid=4218

The NutraSweet Company

NutraSweet® is the most widely recognized and tested sweetening ingredient in the world. Visitors can browse the "Information Center" to learn about the company's historical background and its products (including those made with aspartame), FAQs, regulatory and safety information, and third-party resources. Manufacturers accessing the "Business & Technical" area can obtain information on ingredient specifications, application overviews, and use a formulation calculator, in addition to references on the American Diabetes Association’s notation that aspartame is acceptable as a sugar substitute for diabetics.

URL: http://www.nutrasweet.com

Truthorfiction.com

Truthorfiction.com is a web site dedicated to debunking Internet and email hoaxes. The site notes that the email alleging aspartame causes a host of diseases and sent by a woman by the name of "Nancy Markle" "…is regarded as incorrect and irresponsible by a large number of credible critics.

URL: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/n/nutrasweet.htm

Snopes.com

Another site dedicated to separating fact from fiction and debunking many urban legends. As stated here: debunks the claim that the artificial sweetener aspartame is responsible for an epidemic of cancer, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis, noting that the claim is false.

URL: http://www.snopes.com/toxins/aspartam.htm

Urban Legends

This specimen of email scarelore, in circulation since mid December 1997, warns that the artificial sweetener aspartame may be toxic to humans. As other medically-supported websites and extensive research have shown, these rumors have been disproven by medical evidence.

URL: http://www.urbanlegends.about.com/culture/urbanlegends/library/blasp.htm
URL: http://www.urbanlegends.about.com/culture/urbanlegends/library/weekly/aa063099.htm

U.S. FDA Consumer Magazine

This article address both natural and artificial sweeteners. The FDA stands behind its original approval of aspartame, and subsequent evaluations have shown that the product is safe.

URL: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_sugar.html

Yahoo Health - Artificial Sweeteners Safe to Sweeten Up Your Day

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five artificial sweeteners that are reportedly safe to consume daily over a lifetime. In order for an artificial sweetener to be FDA approved, it must be tested for safety. Although numerous studies have been conducted on artificial sweeteners and their relation to cancer, research has found no evidence to support such a link in humans.

URL: http://health.yahoo.com/experts/weightkoch/15739/artificial-sweeteners-safe-to-sweeten-up-your-day

WebMD

WebMD is an online community that provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information. The site describes aspartame as “thoroughly tested by the FDA and deemed safe for the general population.”

URL: http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/54/65230.htm?pagenumber=1

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