Sweetener Might Be a Bitter Pill

Is NutraSweet a low calorie alternative to sugar or a central nervous system toxin? There appears to be growing evidence that though FDA approved, it is not a safe food additive. In fact, it may be the most deadly food additive ever created. Could it be that NutraSweet plays a role in headaches, seizures, vision problems, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers and other neurological conditions?
 
NutraSweet, a.k.a. Aspartame, also sold as Equal and Spoonful is formulated from three components: two amino acids (building blocks of proteins) called phenylalanine and aspartic acid and methyl alcohol (methanol). Both amino acids are found in nature and in the proteins you eat. Methanol exposure is usually FDA controlled. In nature, amino acids occur as various combinations of the 28 different amino acids and are found in minute quantities. The body carefully regulates blood and brain levels. When found in nature, the fact that they are grouped together, limits absorption into your cells. The main problem with NutraSweet is that it contains phenylalanine and aspartic acid as isolated amino acids, not limited by the others and in much higher levels than found in the proteins we eat. Taking a highly concentrated dose of phenylalanine and aspartic acid from this additive increases blood and brain concentrations. Independent studies have shown for decades that an increased level of either amino acid is toxic to the brain. Why does the FDA allow both of these compounds in one additive?
 
Even more harmful to the human brain is methanol because at temperatures higher than 86 degrees it converts to formaldehyde and then to a more deadly compound called formic acid. There has never been a safe level of exposure established for formaldehyde. It is the methanol content from excessive alcohol exposure that creates the long lasting neurological symptoms in alcoholics. Nature being rather smart also combines ethyl alcohol in your favorite adult beverage, which negates the possible damage from the methanol, unless consumed in large quantities. A very powerful neurotoxin, the FDA controls methanol carefully by allowing only minute quantities to be found in food or in environmental exposures. Except in NutraSweet. This sweetener contains 7 times more methanol than allowed in any other food product. Why the exception?
 
Interestingly, and I have no proof that Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s might have been caused by NutraSweet, but he has been the spokesperson for Diet Pepsi for a long time consuming 8-12 cans per day. Provided to him at no cost, he claims he is addicted. In his mid-30’s, he is one of the youngest people ever to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Studies show that NutraSweet interferes with a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Other studies show that Parkinson’s patients have a decreased production of dopamine.
Why does the FDA allow 3 known neurotoxins in one product and one of them in quantities 7 times higher than in any other food? Could we draw an inference from the following information?
 
NutraSweet was discovered in 1966 and G.D. Searle Co. won approval for use in 1981. It was spun off into The NutraSweet Co. and both companies were sold to Monsanto Co. in 1985. Investigations by United Press International (UPI), protests by numerous scientists, previous knowledge of the toxicity of each of the ingredients, and even FDA task forces that challenged G.D. Searle’s company funded studies had no effect on the decision of then FDA Commissioner Arthur Hull Hayes to approve the additive. There are no studies that are not company funded that give a clean bill of health to NutraSweet. Monsanto is also the world leader in genetically engineered foods.
 
The plot thickens when campaign donations and political appointments are considered. On the record, Monsanto gave an average of $118 to each congressional candidate. Off the record, in soft money and other perks, who knows? Consider these facts: Attorney General John Ashcroft received $10,000 during the 2000 election cycle and Larry Combest, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee received $2000. George Bush, Sr. appointed Monsanto lawyer, Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield is a past Chairman of G.D.Searle, Co., now owned by Monsanto. Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture was on the board of directors of Calgene Pharmaceuticals, now owned by Monsanto. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services was a supporter of Monsanto in his state. He received $50,000 from Biotech firms is his election run and used state funds to set up a $317 million dollar biotech zone in Wisconsin. Mitch Daniels, Director of the Office of Management and Budget was the vice president of corporate strategy at Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Co. Eli Lilly and Monsanto developed the genetically engineered bovine growth hormone. Monsanto has also brought us DDT, dioxins and PCBs.
 
Take no comfort that everyone mentioned are Republicans, consider a quote from a Monsanto electronic newsletter written by CEO Robert Shapiro on 10/06/2000 that said, "Agricultural biotechnology will find a supporter occupying the White House next year, regardless of which candidate wins the election next November."The reach into our government and control of such a large part of our current and future food supply is the Pelican Brief come to reality.
 
One last thought: For those of you struggling with the moral/ethical issues of stem cell research, consider Michael J. Fox for a moment. If a food additive has caused his Parkinson’s or someone’s Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer’s (and there are many other toxins in our environment that can also contribute to neurological problems), then why use stem cells at all? Have him stop drinking NutraSweet. But that’s too simple and there’s no money in it for corporations and researchers. Why did President Bush approve approximately 60 lines of stem cells to be federally funded? Could it be because the University of Wisconsin researchers control the majority of those lines? Does former Governor Tommy Thompson come to mind again?
 
Once again you have a choice. My belief is that if man has created or altered a food, it has potential for problems. Send a message and stay away from synthetic and genetically altered foods. Your health might depend on it.

Published: 8/30/2001