It is important to note that this study has not been published in a peer reviewed journal but instead presented only at a meeting. Further, the presentation provides allegations but little supporting data because the research is in abstract form only, as opposed to a full study. It is also important to note that the American Diabetes Association supports the use of low-calorie sweeteners by people with diabetes.
The Council cites the following as limitations of the research:
- Before being approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluated whether aspartame was safe for all populations, including those with diabetes. The FDA also evaluated the effect of aspartame on blood glucose levels and found that it does not cause a rise in blood glucose.
- Research on aspartame and blood glucose has been conducted in humans and this research has shown that aspartame does not affect blood glucose levels. It is difficult to understand why the researchers are using a small rat population as the basis for their study when research has already been conducted in humans.
- The study uses a small sample size of mice, just 20 mice per group for a total of 40 mice.
- The findings from the presentation regarding aspartame are counter to health professional groups such as the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association, which ascertain that low-calorie sweeteners, including aspartame, are safe for people with diabetes. The position paper of the American Dietetic Association states, “nonnutritive sweeteners do not affect glycemic response and can be safely used by those with diabetes.”
About The Calorie Control Council
The Calorie Control Council, established in 1966, is an international non-profit association representing the low-calorie and sugar-free food and beverage industry. Today it represents 60 manufacturers and suppliers of low-calorie, low-fat and light foods and beverages, including the manufacturers and suppliers of more than a dozen different dietary ingredients including aspartame, saccharin, stevia and sucralose. For more information, visit www.caloriecontrol.org.
