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International Scientists Conclude Sweetener Is Safe Across Population

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A report published in the September issue of Critical Reviews in Toxicology (Volume 37, Issue 8, pp. 629-727) systematically evaluates virtually all available scientific information about aspartame and concludes that the low calorie sweetener is safe. The analysis was conducted by a panel of eight recognized scientists from research institutes and universities around the world.

As part of its work, the panel conducted a comprehensive analysis to estimate consumption of aspartame. They found that even among the heaviest users, consumption of the sweetener remains well below safe and accepted upper intake levels. Average intake among those who use aspartame is less than one tenth the amount confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration as safe (4.9 mg/kg/day versus 50 mg/kg/day).

"Because aspartame popularity has grown since its introduction in the early 1980's, the panel felt it was important to recalculate the sweetener's intake based on the most recent food consumption data available," said Bernadene A. Magnuson, Ph.D., a University of Maryland food toxicologist and panel coordinator for the Burdock Group of Vero Beach, Florida. "The new evaluation shows that today's intake, even among the highest category of users in special subgroups, is well below acceptable levels."

The expert panel's almost 100-page report also concludes that scientific studies support aspartame as a potential weight management tool, discounting recent claims that low calorie sweeteners somehow contribute to weight gain. "There is no credible evidence to support an association between consumption of aspartame and the development of obesity," said William J. Waddell, M.D., professor and chair, emeritus, toxicology, at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Waddell served as chair of the expert panel. "
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