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New Statement from American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association Supports Low-Calorie Sweeteners as Useful Substitutes for sugar
Using low-calorie sweeteners in beverages and other foods has the potential to help people reach and maintain a healthy body weight and is helpful for glucose control for people with diabetes, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. More.
Safety and Benefits of Aspartame Confirmed in Updated Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper
An updated Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position paper confirms the safety and benefits of aspartame and other low-calorie sweeteners. Read AND's Position on Aspartame More.
Another Study Shows Positive Weight Loss Results with Diet Soda
A new study shows that swapping your regular soda for diet soda really can help you shed a few pounds. For the study, conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill... See Why.
Calorie Control Council Response to American Diabetes Association
Study alleges an association between aspartame and fasting glucose, but little supporting data. Statement says study flawed.
National Survey: Most Americans Now Worried About Their Weight
More than 186 million American adults – or eight out of ten men and women aged 18 and older – are "weight conscious", according to a national survey released in April 2011, by the Calorie Control Council. Exercise, smaller portions and low calorie foods are most popular weight loss methods, while restrictive diets are among least popular methods. Read More.
European Food Safety Authority Reconfirms Safety of Low-Calorie Sweeteners
In February 2011, following a comprehensive review of two recent studies questioning the safety of low-calorie sweeteners, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that these new studies do not give reason to reconsider the previous safety evaluations of aspartame or other low-calorie sweeteners (intense sweeteners) authorized in the European Union. As is the normal practice, EFSA will continue to monitor related scientific developments in this area. Read More.
Q: Traditional holiday foods are bad for your health - myth or fact?
A. Myth: Many holiday favorites are packed with nutrients. For example, sweet potatoes supply potassium and fiber and are loaded with the antioxidant vitamin A, which is important for a healthy immune system. Cranberries are high in vitamin C and may help fight urinary tract infections. Dried fruit and turkey can also be nutritious options. Try preparing foods that are nutritious and satisfying yet low in calories. Reducing the amount of fat and calories in meals can also help prevent weight gain. Create healthier versions of favorite baked goods by using fat-free milk instead of whole milk and applesauce in place of oil. Sweeten your beverage, casserole or dessert with a low-calorie sweetener such as aspartame. To thicken a liquid without adding fat, use one of the following: flour, cornstarch, potato flakes, yogurt or fat-free evaporated milk.
Sugar Substitutes Help Reduce Caloric Intake without Overeating
A new study published in the August 2010 journal, Appetite, further demonstrates that people who consume low-calorie sweeteners are able to significantly reduce their caloric intake and do not overeat. Read More.
"From Bench to Broadcast Putting Research into Perspective"
Health Professionals Receive CPE credit for this FREE webinar. Read More.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland Releases Aspartame Fact Sheet
"Aspartame (E951) has been used as a sweetener in foods and as a table-top sweetener for more than 20 years in many countries throughout the world. Aspartame is the methyl ester of the dipeptide of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is an odourless, white crystalline powder which has a clean, sweet taste. It is referred to as an intense (or artificial) sweetener and is used to replace sugar in a wide range of sugar-free and low-calorie foods." Full text of Aspartame Fact Sheet (PDF)
American Dietetic Association's Review of Aspartame Complete
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recently evaluated the low calorie artificial sweetener aspartame and its affects on weight, appetite, desire for sweetness and alleged adverse reactions for its Evidence Analysis Library (EAL). After the evaluation, the ADA reaffirmed the conclusion of regulatory and scientific authorities around the world that aspartame is not associated with adverse effects for the general population, including hypersensitivity reactions, elevated blood methanol or formate levels, or brain cancers. This conclusion statement was given a “Grade 1,” the highest grade on the EAL scale, signifying there is good evidence supporting the conclusion. Further, the conclusion statement notes, “In patients with diabetes, aspartame consumption is not associated with elevated plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, fasting glucose control, intolerance to aspartame, opthalmologic effects, heart rhythm or weight.” Read More.
European Food Safety Authority Reconfirms Safety of Aspartame
EFSA Releases Opinion on Ramazzini Study: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has once again confirmed the safety of aspartame. After a comprehensive review of data, EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (AFC) stated, "Overall, the Panel concluded on the basis of all the evidence currently available including the last published ERF [European Ramazzini Foundation] study that there is no indication of any genotoxic or carcinogenic potential of aspartame and that there is no reason to revise the previously established ADI for aspartame of 40 mg/kg bw/day." This statement further confirms EFSA’s 2006 statement regarding an earlier Ramazzini study, which alleged that aspartame consumption may cause cancer. Read More.
Leading health associations re-reviewed and support use of Aspartame
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The lowdown on the breakdown
Low-calorie sweeteners provide consumers with many benefits, both psychological and physiological. Health professionals and consumers believe low-calorie sweeteners are effective for the following purposes: weight maintenance, weight reduction, management of diabetes, reduction of dental caries, and reduction in the risks associated with obesity. Get the facts about Aspartame, it's uses, and benefits.