- Stern et all (1976) followed 43 non-insulin-dependent diabetics at two centers. They were given either two capsules of aspartame three times daily with meals, or a comparable placebo, for 90 days. These investigators stated that "diabetic control was unaffected by the chronic administration of these substances."
The author's interpretation of the fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations in the subgroups of patients treated and followed at the Jewish Hospital and Medical Center of Brooklyn, based on the published data, differs from this assessment The FBS values at one, five, nine, and 14 weeks for the 9-10 patients given aspartame were 115.7, 116.2, 136.5, and 134.9 mg percent, respectively. The FBS values for the placebo group (ranging in number from 10 to 11) at one, five, nine, and 14 weeks were 88.9, 107.2, 117.7, and 95.5 mg percent, respectively. The P values at one, five, nine, and 14 weeks were 0.10, >0.50, >0.40, and >0.10, respectively.
- Nehrling et al (1985) gave aspartame and an identical-looking placebo containing corn starch to insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics in a randomized, double-blind study over an 18-week period. Three capsules were taken with each meal (total of 9 capsules daily). They concluded that adverse reactions were n more common with aspartame. These investigators, however, did not compare the corn starch with an inert non-carbohydrate placebo (e.g. alanine). Moreover, one subject developed severe diarrhea while receiving aspartame. (It disappeared when the aspartame was discontinued, and recurred after re-challenge).
- The inclusion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in presumed placebos raises another problem.
Resistance
The author asserted in many publications and written testimony to Congress that the current wholesale ingestion of aspartame products constitute a perceived "imminent public health hazard," especially for diabetics. Yet the FDA and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) continue to express the unequivocal opinion that aspartame is "completely safe" for diabetics.
As a case in point, it has been virtually impossible to present these observations at national meetings of diabetologists and other physician groups. For example, the ADA (of which I had been a member for over three decades) refused to print an abstract of adverse reactions encountered in 58 diabetics patients that was submitted for its 1987 annual meeting. Clinical Research subsequently published (1988; Vol. 3:489A).
The following letter indicates the resistance this subject provokes. The correspondent, a 60-year-old diabetic woman with many ailments, had a sister and multiple relatives who suffered severe reactions (including convulsions) to aspartame products, but defended their use.
"How in the world can someone take a product that is relied upon by diabetics to live, and make it bad? This was a big hoax. I just wonder how many people are depriving themselves of a pleasure just because someone scared them into not using it (an aspartame tabletop sweetener). The American Diabetes Association approves its use."
Patient Input
Diabetic aspartame reactors have expressed severe disapproval over the continued recommendation of aspartame products by the American Diabetes Association. Some averred that this is tantamount to helping diabetics die.
Patients have expressed this attitude in dramatic confrontations with doctors, even resorting to ridicule (see Case XIII-9). For example, a diabetic patient with aspartame reactions was dismissed by her physician, "a diabetes specialist," when she became irate over his lack of knowledge or interest on the subject - especially after providing him considerable information on aspartame disease obtained from the Internet.
The virtual unconditional approval of aspartame products by endocrinologists astonished parents of diabetic children when they learned the adverse effects of this chemical. For example, the outraged mother of a 9-year-old diabetic boy stated, "His endocrinologist basks aspartame 1001 percent, and highly recommends diet sodas. When I questioned any side effects from drinking so much, he assured me that the boy would have to drink over 100 cans/bottles of diet soda for the rest of his life to have any damaging side effects." end of chapter
More information on aspartame on www.mpwhi.com Also on www.wnho.net, www.holisticmed.com/aspartame, and www.dorway.com files on www.mpwhi.com
Dr. Betty Martini, D.Hum, Founder
Mission Possible World Health Intl
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
2
1
1
