Martini's letter essentially links aspartame to Alzheimer's disease, birth defects, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome, seizures and brain cancer. Not a single research study is offered. The name alone tells you something. For example, one contested issue is the methanol found in aspartame. Methanol is commonly known as wood alcohol.
Opponents say it can be toxic.
In fact, there's apparently four times the amount of methanol in tomato juice as in aspartame-sweetened diet soda. At best, you are getting nothing, which isn't the ideal food choice for a growing child or pregnant woman. Apparently not in curbing appetite or losing pounds. For most of us, the more responsible message is to seek out more honest foods and fewer pretenders. And cut back on the E-mails from friends of friends.