New Research: Sugar Substitutes Help Reduce Caloric Intake
without Overeating or Hunger

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.
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"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 Evidence Analysis Library 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.”
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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.
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