A Clear and Present Danger. . - Book Corners - Aspartame Disease, An Ignored Epidemic - book review

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Feb-March, 2002  by Beatrice Trum Hunter

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Aspartame Disease, An Ignored Epidemic

by H.J. Roberts, MD

Sunshine Sentinel Press, P.O. Box 17799, West Palm Beach, Florida 33416 USA

Order: 800-814-9800; fax 561-547-8008. $75 plus $10 s/h, Florida residents add $4.50 sales tax

Oversized quality paperback, 1027 pp, appendices, bibliography

This monumental work represents an extraordinary effort by a concerned physician who has spent much of his time researching the diverse effects of aspartame, the synthetic high-intensity sweetener, on the human body. He found that the physical effects can be inflicted on all systems, organs and tissues, The mental effects can result in psychological, behavioral, and psychiatric problems. The author traces the nonscientific basis and political machinations that led to FDA's unwise approval of aspartame, The sweetener now permeates many processed foods and beverages, and is used by two-thirds of the American population.

Numerous reactions to aspartame frequently are undiagnosed, Or, they are misdiagnosed and wrongly attributed to such serious health conditions as fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or Alzheimer's disease, among others.

Dr. Roberts offers pearls of wisdom to doctors. Every evaluation of difficult allergic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, or metabolic problems should include queries about aspartame consumption. Diabetes accompanied by visual, neurological, or bowel problems should not be assumed to be complications of retinopathy or neuropathy until aspartame use is ruled out. After aspartane abstinence, there should be time to observe any changes. Cataract surgery should be deferred in heavy aspartame users until it can be learned whether vision improves after aspartame avoidance. Patients with refractory neurological or psychiatric problems, including unexplained seizures, headaches, facial or eye pain, depression, or dizziness, should be asked about their aspartame consumption before recommending invasive studies or prescribing potent medications, Patients who express concern about "early Alzheimer's disease" due to unexplained confusion or memory impairment, should be observed for several months after aspartame use is st opped, before making any diagnosis. Cystoscopy, prostate surgery, uterine curettage, or hysterectomy should be deferred in aspartame users, who have unexplained urinary tract problems, or altered menses, until aspartame use is suspended, and observations made for any possible remissions.

Dr. Roberts includes an extensive questionnaire that he has used with patients suspected of having adverse aspartame reactions. The questionnaire would serve as a useful tool for all health practitioners whose patients have puzzling symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or treat.

The medical and public health inplications of aspartame's effects on human health cannot be ignored. A large segment of the population is being adversely affected. Dr. Roberts has provided a comprehensive book that should serve as a valuable reference for all health providers, as well as for individuals concerned about maintaining their health or restoring it.

COPYRIGHT 2002 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group