Fact and Fiction

Correcting Internet Myths About NutraSweet

An article attributed to Nancy Markle containing negative allegations about aspartame has recently been circulating on the Internet. None of the symptoms she and her "sources" have attributed to aspartame have been substantiated in any clinical scientific studies. The following is a response to these allegations with an assurance that aspartame is not associated with any adverse effects.

NutraSweet is our company's brand name for the sweetener aspartame. Aspartame is composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and the methyl ester of phenylalanine. Aspartame is completely and quickly metabolized to its two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) and methanol through normal pathways. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. The body treats aspartame the same way it handles other foods, such as bananas, milk and hamburgers. The methanol is identical to that which we consume in much larger concentrations in fruits, vegetables and their juices, for instance. It is part of the normal diet.

The amount of methanol produced is approximately 10% by weight. The body then converts methanol to formaldehyde and then to a metabolite called formate. Formate is then quickly eliminated by the body in the form of carbon dioxide and water. Some critics point out that methanol, an alcohol, is toxic. However, the amounts produced in metabolism are small, and are no greater than the methanol produced by the metabolism of many fruits and vegetables. For comparison's sake, the amount of methanol resulting from drinking a 12-ounce can of soda sweetened with aspartame is less than obtained from drinking an 8-ounce glass of grape juice.

Scientific studies were conducted in which extreme doses of aspartame were administered to normal adults. Blood levels of methanol and formate (the toxic metabolite formed from methanol) were measured. Not only were the methanol levels far below those associated with toxicity, but there were no detectable changes in blood formate concentration. On the entire methanol issue, the FDA has stated that the amount of free methanol absorbed from aspartame does not produce a significant and rapid plasma methyl rise of alcohol and formate levels.

Counter to the allegation in the article, aspartame ingestion when above 86°F does not cause metabolic acidosis. When aspartame is exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time or in the presence of moisture some breakdown of aspartame is inevitable. No hazardous chemical changes occur from exposing products containing aspartame to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time. The result is simply a loss of sweetness. There is no safety concern since the components formed are the same whether the breakdown occurs in our bodies or in the product.

Additionally, the comments about multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and Alzheimer's Disease being linked to aspartame are not true. No one knows what causes these sad diseases, but they existed many, many years before aspartame came to the market. There has not been an "epidemic." Unfortunately these unsubstantiated statements have frightened individuals and their families.

The article also commented that aspartame is "especially deadly for diabetics." There is no question that aspartame has been beneficial to people with diabetes. It has allowed them a larger variety of dietary choices and the continued enjoyment of sweet foods as a part of their meal plan. And, the American Diabetes Association has stated publicly that aspartame is a safe sugar substitute for those with diabetes.

Finally is the assertion that aspartame is even partially the cause of Desert Storm Syndrome. The so-called Desert Storm Syndrome has baffled scientists at the Institute of Medicine, Department of Defense and half a dozen medical schools. In all probability, it represents a number of signs, symptoms and possible causes. Thus far it has been suggested that inhalation of toxic oil fumes and/or administration of anti-poisonous gas drugs and/or exposure to toxic agents and/or inoculation with various anti-bacterial vaccines etc., may be the cause(s).

Monsanto has been responsive to concerns raised by scientific critics, regulatory agencies, congressional hearings and the media. Since 1965, aspartame has been studied extensively resulting in an impressive collection of scientific data. With approximately 200 studies conducted in humans and animals, the safety of aspartame has been well established. The results of these scientific documentations have shown that eating products sweetened with aspartame is not associated with adverse health effects. The only people who must restrict their intake of aspartame are people with Phenylketonuria (PKU), who are on special diets; they must be aware that aspartame contains phenylalanine.

The Internet is a new and exciting communications medium which hosts a large number of high quality medical resources. At the same time, the Internet often resembles cocktail party conversation when it comes to sharing sound health and nutrition information. That's because anyone with a computer can present themselves to be an authoritative expert on just about anything, including aspartame. We've seen self-styled aspartame experts use the Internet to advance their individual agendas and personal points of view without regard for scientific truth.

For more information, please feel free to contact us via Internet, our toll-free number at 800-321-7254 or by mail at P.O. Box 2986, Chicago, IL 60654-0986.

Thank you -

Team NutraSweet

NutraSweet® and Equal® are registered trademarks of The NutraSweet Company.
© 1998 Monsanto Company. All rights reserved.