Is aspartame really safe?

January 12, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like information on aspartame. Diet sodas often are sweetened with this. A friend said the product causes cancer. True or false?

DEAR READER: Aspartame, marketed under several different names, was approved in 1981 for inclusion in dry goods and in 1983 for carbonated beverages as an artificial, low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar. To set the record straight, the product was originally approved in 1974 but was placed on hold by the FDA until 1981. It has now been approved as safe for the general public by more than 90 nations worldwide, to include the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used essentially by the public to reduce a person’s calorie intake. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

May 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 78-year-old male who was told at least eight years ago at a diabetic seminar to start using Equal in my coffee instead of sugar. I became ill in January of this year with dizziness, weakness and loss of balance. One night I fell and couldn’t get up. My wife phoned for the ambulance to take me to the hospital where I remained for a week.

Later I saw my family doctor who sent me to two specialists who could not help me. Then I read the letter in your column from the lady whose mother had identical problems. After discontinuing taking aspartame she became her old self again. I subsequently found aspartame is now in Equal. I stopped taking it three weeks ago and now feel wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

DEAR READER:
Frankly, I have been amazed at the number of my readers who have had unpleasant reactions to aspartame. The sugar substitute can cause a wide range of medical problems, including life-threatening reactions.

I would feel more comfortable — as I’m sure you would — by eliminating any product that contains aspartame and substituting pure fructose, FruitSweet or similar products instead. Better still, drink that coffee black. You’ll be amazed how quickly you come to enjoy the true taste of tea, coffee, or other products to which you previously added sweeteners.

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Alzheimer’s has no link to aspartame

March 4, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there any documented information that links aspartame to Alzheimer’s disease?

DEAR READER: The cause of Alzheimer’s remains a mystery but much active research is in progress. To my knowledge, Alzheimer’s is not related to aspartame. Some individuals are sensitive to aspartame and may experience symptoms from ingestion of it.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Alzheimer’s Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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