The potential hazard of aspartame absorption from within the mouth

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  July, 2004  by H.J. Roberts

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Editor:

Aspartame disease is being increasingly encountered in medical practice. (1-4) Over two-thirds of the population currently consumes the chemical aspartame, most commonly as "diet" sodas and "sugar-free" products. I have detailed the serious neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic, endocrine, allergic and addictive aspects of this affliction. (1-5)

The widespread consumption of popular aspartame products that can be absorbed from the mouth and oropharynx should be cause for concern. They include gum, mouthwashes, chewable drugs and vitamins, and rectangular "mouth-freshener" strips placed on the tongue. Sugar-free mints are recommended for low-carbohydrate dieters who experience bad breath.

The prompt and predictable recurrence of symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, seizures, confusion, visual features, joint pain) on initial exposure or rechallenge to aspartame in this manner has been impressive. These issues are relevant.

* Persons tend to chew aspartame gum up to five times longer than regular gum.

* The prompt absorption of this neurotoxin from the mouth and oropharynx, with direct transport to the brain by a unique pathway, has clinical confirmation (see below).

* These products can create an intense craving for sweets due to increased insulin secretion.

* The potential for addiction, (4,5) related largely to the methyl alcohol component of aspartame, is significant. Scores of patients experienced severe withdrawal reactions after abrupt cessation.

The response of a previously-well woman illustrates this issue. "I suffered a grand mal seizure watching a movie immediately after applying a Listerine Strip[TM]. My friend gave me the strip, and it's the last thing I remember. Apparently, I stiffened up, my eyes rolled back in my head, and I bit my tongue and drooled. I regained awareness 1/2 hour later as I was being unloaded from the ambulance. A CAT scan, an MRI, blood work and other tests were all inconclusive."

Persons at high risk for aspartame reactions ought to be warned against using these products. They include pregnant women, children, and patients with seizures, migraine, diabetes, hypoglycemia and weight disorders.

References

1. Roberts HJ. Reactions attributed to aspartame containing products: 551 cases. J Appl Nutr 1988; 40:86-94.

2. Roberts HJ. Aspartame (NutraSweet): Is It Safe? Philadelphia, The Charles Press, 1989.

3. Roberts HJ. Sweet'ner Dearest: Bittersweet Vignettes About Aspartame (NutraSweet) West Palm Beach, Sunshine Sentinel Press, 1992.

4. Roberts HJ. Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic. West Palm Beach, Sunshine Sentinel Press, 2001.

5. Roberts HJ. Aspartame (NutraSweet) addiction. Townsend Letter for Doctors 2000; 198 (January): 52-57.

H. J. Roberts, MD, FACP

Palm Beach Inst. for Medical Research

P.O. Box 17799

West Palm Beach, Florida 33416 USA

hjrobertsmd@aol.com

COPYRIGHT 2004 The Townsend Letter Group
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