The food safety authority in Europe, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) of the European Commission, has reconfirmed aspartames clean bill of health following a comprehensive review of the sweeteners safety. The SCF is a body of independent scientific experts which advises the European Commission on matters of food safety; its aspartame report was issued on December 10, 2002.
The overwhelming body of scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that aspartame, even in amounts many times what people typically consume, is safe and not associated with adverse health effects. However, over the years, some consumers have reported symptoms, which they believed were associated with aspartame. The FDA has investigated these allegations and concluded that there is no "reasonable evidence of possible public health harm" and "no consistent or unique patterns of symptoms reported with respect to aspartame that can be causally linked to its use." In 1984, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reviewed 517 of these anecdotal reports and stated, "the majority of frequently reported symptoms were mild and are symptoms that are common in the general populace" and that focused clinical studies would be the best way to evaluate these complaints.
As a result, numerous scientific studies focused on the allegations were conducted by expert researchers at major academic institutions. The results of these studies overwhelmingly demonstrated that aspartame is not associated with adverse health effects, including headaches, seizures, changes in mood, cognition, or behavior, or allergic reactions.
Despite the overwhelming documentation of aspartames safety, unfounded allegations that aspartame is associated with a myriad of ailments, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, and lupus, have continued to be spread via the Internet and the media by a few individuals who have no documented scientific or medical expertise. Recently, several governments and expert scientific committees (including the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Commission, the United Kingdoms Food Standards Agency, the French Food Safety Agency and Health Canada) carefully evaluated the Internet allegations and found them to be false, reconfirming the safety of aspartame. In addition, leading health authorities, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., the Alzheimers Association, and the Lupus Foundation of America, have reviewed the claims on the Internet and also concluded that they are false.
Many consumers have been the victim of aspartame Internet email hoaxes. Although they may sound legitimate, dont be fooled. The bottom line aspartame is safe.
