Time Magazine's Web of Deceit


Dear Editor,

I was disappointed to read the article entitled, "A Web of Deceit" by Christine Gorman. Ms Gorman purports that the artificial sweetener, aspartame, is safe despite extensive independent research showing otherwise. A more balanced and accurate article would have been possible with a little research and speaking with independent researchers. Independent researchers have always been willing to provide scientific details related to aspartame toxicity.

Ms. Gorman claims that the methanol (wood alcohol) is safe and bases her statements on the fact that methanol is found in fruits and vegetables. However, recent research has proven that people ingesting fruits ingest protective factors along with the methanol which prevents the methanol from being converted to the highly toxic chemical, formaldehyde. The methanol obtained from aspartame is converted to formaldehyde. In addition, research published late in 1998 showed that aspartame ingestion at moderate doses leads to the accumulation of formaldehyde (bound to protein) in the body. Formaldehyde is known to cause gradual neurological, immunological and irreversible genetic damage in low-dose, long-term exposure.

Ms. Gorman claims that a study by Dr. Susan Schiffman at Duke University proves that aspartame does not cause migraines or headaches. The study was conducted by a former consultant of the manufacturer and was funded by the manufacturer. Two independent studies found the opposite result. A relatively short 7-day study (Neurology, Volume 44, page 1787-1793) found a significant increase in headaches in persons who were sure that aspartame was causing their headaches. A much longer 4-week independent study (Headache, Volume 28, page 10-14) found a more striking increase in headaches/migraines. The industry-sponsored research conducted by Dr. Schiffman was only 1 day long and the aspartame was given in capsules -- a form that reduces toxicity to some extent.

Ms. Gorman cites evidence that brain cancer has been increased since 1973, eight years before the approval of aspartame, as evidence that aspartame does not cause brain cancer. However, the research published in 1996 by some of the most reknowned scientists in the world linked aspartame to an increase in certain very deadly types brain tumors in the most vulnerable population group (middle aged and elderly). There has been a large increase in these easily-detectable and deadly forms of brain cancer since several years after aspartame was approved. The less deadly forms of brain cancer have reduced significnatly in this population group over the same time period so that the overall brain tumor rate appears stable. The evidence shows that these less deadly brain tumors were converting the more deadly brain tumors in this population group.

While there are some scientific errors in the Nancy Markle email, a more balanced approach would have included information about the recent review which showed that nearly 100% of independent research has found problems with aspartame, or the 1998 research which showed accumulation of formaldehyde from aspartame ingestion, or the recent lawsuits against the manufacturer because of aspartame poisoning, or a listing of many of the major reported toxicity symptoms, or at least a few quotes from independent researchers.

As far as resources for aspartame information, I would not suggest reading a web page written by authors who are incapable of discussing the subject in a public scientific forum amongst knowledgable and independent scientists. It is easy to hide behind a web page, but the real experts are not afraid to provide extensive scientific information in a public forum. Since I have read the world scientific literature on aspartame and key research on the metabolites of aspartame, I am willing to participate in such a discussion. People who want to read detailed scientific information, case histories, healthier sweetener alternatives, and detoxification information should access the Aspartame Toxicity Information Center web page at:

http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/

Cordially,

Mark D. Gold
mgold@tiac.net