Newsgroup: it.salute.alimentazione
Titolo: How Does Aspartame Damage Your Brain?

Consuming a lot of aspartame may inhibit the ability of enzymes in your 
brain to function normally, according to a new review by scientists from 
the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo.
The review found that high doses of the sweetener may lead to 
neurodegeneration. It has also previously been found that aspartame 
consumption can cause neurological and behavioral disturbances in 
sensitive individuals.
Specifically, the review found a number of direct and indirect changes 
that occur in your brain as a result of high consumption levels of 
aspartame, including disturbing:
• The metabolism of amino acids
• Protein structure and metabolism
• The integrity of nucleic acids
• Neuronal function
• Endocrine balances
Further, the breakdown of aspartame causes nerves to fire excessively, 
which can indirectly lead to a high rate of neuron depolarisation.
Despite these growing concerns, neither the European Food Safety 
Authority (EFSA) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have 
changed their guidelines regarding the safety of the ingredient or 
intake advice.
Sources: Food Quality News April 6, 2008
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008, 62, 451–462

 The review
[...]
Ovvero, non un nuovo studio ma una rassegna degli studi esistenti, a
cura  dei ricercatori di Pretoria e Limpopo.
Però non capisco se ci sono fatti nuovi e cosa dicono di preciso (un
link al testo originale della review?)
Che l'aspartame vada assunto solo entro certi limiti, peraltro
superiori al consumo comune, e sia da evitare per chi soffre di una
particolare malattia genetica detta fenilchetonuria, già si sapeva.

Un'altra considerazione potrebbe essere quella comparativa.
Ovvero, per un individuo tendente all'obesità, fa più danni una
bevanda zuccherata di troppo o una dolcificata con aspartame? ;-)
Nel primo caso, i danni metabolici dell'obesità sono certi. Quelli
dell'aspartame ipotetici.
Certo, gli si potrebbe dire di bere semplicemente della buona acqua
fresca, che resta la bevanda migliore, ma... lo farà?
Oppure si potrebbe puntare su altri dolcificanti, tuttavia mi pare che
ben pochi siano "al di sopra di ogni sospetto".
La stessa stelvia tanto decantata è controversa, AFAIK.

Ecco invece cosa si legge sul sito della Multiple Sclerosis
Foundation, sulla sicurezza dell'aspartame rispetto a malattie
neurodegenerative come la sclerosi multipla
http://www.msfacts.org/article-details.aspx?articleID=40
Examining the Safety of Aspartame
By: Written by Ellen Whipple Guthrie, Pharm.D.
For several years, an alarming and controversial report has been
circulating on the Internet, claiming that the artificial sweetener
aspartame can cause multiple sclerosis and a host of other ailments.
Certain versions of the report even claim that MS symptoms will
disappear if intake of aspartame is halted. MSFocus frequently
receives letters questioning the truth of these allegations. Ellen
Guthrie, Pharm.D. now explores the question, is aspartame safe?
Clinically speaking, we can never say that anything (drug, additive,
food, device, etc.) is 100 percent safe. We can, however, examine the
data and research and differentiate fact from fiction. The Internet is
an excellent source of information, but this information is only as
reliable as the person posting the information and only as accurate as
the data that backs it up.
In 1965, chemist James Schlatter accidentally discovered the high-
intensity sweetener known as aspartame. Before its approval in the
early 1980's by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aspartame
underwent extensive scientific studies that demonstrated its safety in
both animals and humans. Since its approval, some 20 years ago,
aspartame has been consumed in more than 6000 products by hundreds of
millions of people in hundreds of countries throughout the world.
Aspartame is the ingredient that makes many foods (primarily colas)
"light," "low-calorie," or "diet." Since it is impossible to detect
all side effects in pre-marketing studies, aspartame has undergone
extensive post-marketing surveillance to ensure that the additive is
safe.
The metabolism of aspartame in the human body and the proposed
toxicities from its metabolic components have concerned a lot of
people and have been the emphasis of many post-marketing surveillance
studies. Aspartame is metabolized by digestive enzymes and peptides to
three common dietary components: amino acids, aspartic acid, and
phenylalanine. Minute amounts of methanol can also be detected. Eating
foods such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables will also produce
these same components, but in greater amounts than aspartame. For
example, a glass of milk has 6 times more phenylalanine and 13 times
more aspartic acid and a glass of tomato juice provides 6 times more
methanol than a beverage the same size sweetened with 100 percent
aspartame. Interestingly enough, it is impossible for humans to digest
enough aspartame to raise the levels of these metabolic components to
a dangerous level.
Anecdotal reports claiming that aspartame caused health problems
increased in the days and weeks after aspartame was approved for use
in carbonated beverages in 1983. These reports prompted the FDA to
request an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The
CDC analyzed more than 500 reports and the problems associated with
aspartame were divided into two categories. Two-thirds of the people
experienced neurological problems while one-quarter of the people
experienced gastrointestinal problems. The neurological symptoms
consisted of headaches, mood alterations, insomnia, dizziness, and
fatigue. The gastrointestinal symptoms included abdominal pain,
nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The CDC concluded, "The majority of
symptoms were mild and are symptoms that are common in the general
populace." The CDC also noted that there was no evidence supporting
the claim that aspartame could cause certain diseases (i.e. multiple
sclerosis, lupus, etc.).
While nothing can be considered 100 percent safe, aspartame has
undergone extensive testing. With the exception of a few very mild
side effects, aspartame appears to be quite safe. Those individuals,
who experience problems after consuming aspartame, should eliminate
foods and beverages that contain this sweetener from their diet.
Editor's Note:
The report claiming aspartame causes MS, often referred to as the
Nancy Merkle hoax, is believed to have been circulating since 1995.
The message is attributed to "Nancy Merkle," yet no one has come
forward claiming to be the author. No credentials, research or sources
are cited. This hoax first came to the attention of the Multiple
Sclerosis Foundation in 1998, when those circulating it added the
false claim that the MSF was suing the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration to halt the sale and use of aspartame. The MSF neither
condemns nor endorses aspartame, and has never filed suit against the
FDA.
(Last reviewed 7/2009)

 ...e se rimanesse chiuso nell'ascensore per 10 giorni?  :P
In tal caso è consigliabile evitare altri dolcificanti come mannitolo
e sorbitolo, che possono avere effetto lassativo ;)

four Murray AspartameNM reviews in SE Jacob & SA Stechschulte debate
with EG Abegaz & RG Bursey of Ajinomoto re migraines from formaldehyde
from aspartame, Dermatitis 2009 May: TE Hugli -- folic acid with V-C
protects: Rich Murray 2009.08.12
http://rmforall.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.htm
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1582
_____________________________________________________
A  medical layman, BS physics and history, MIT 1964, MA
psychology, Boston University Graduate School 1967, retired after 19
years as a home hospice care giver in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I have
served over ten years as a volunteer information activist,
accumulating
a public archive of 1,583 conscientious, fair, civil, detailed reviews
of
mainly mainstream scientific and media reports re aspartame
(methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid) toxicity and related issues.
It may be helpful at this stage to "put words in the mouths"
of responsible vested interests:
"We believe in public service capitalism.
We apologize for misleading and harming people.
We share responsibility with many businesses and organizations
worldwide for similar mistakes about many widely sold products.
Rather than futilely resist and delay severe penalties and
correction from legal and governmental actions, public service
associations, corporate competition, aroused  media, and an
increasingly informed world public, while continuing to leave people
at risk, we choose to take the creative intitiative to change
ourselves
immediately, setting a positive example for our world, that all people
may cooperate for healthy food, drink, and environment.
We cease production and distribution now of our harmful products.
We make all our information conveniently available about our past
stratagies and actions regarding research, development, testing,
production, advertising, government, medicine, media, politics,
handling of complaints -- all our staff must tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth.
We cooperate with true public service associations:
1. Set up huge funds for aiding victims.
2. Set up funds for independent robust research worldwide on all
aspects of the problems.
3. Persuade other corporations and groups to join vigorously in these
endeavors.
4. Set up funds for full and constant two-way feedback with all
groups and people.
5. Set up vigorous reforms for disfunctional political funding and
influence on all levels.
6. Set up thorough, accurate and full accounting for actual long-term
costs to people and our world from our products.
7. Base staff and corporate rewards on successful competiton
focused on products that aid the evolution of people.
8. Sustain genuine positive competition among businesses worldwide.
9. Maintain complete transparency about all our strategies, policies,
and actions."
_____________________________________________________
Formaldehyde, aspartame, migraines: a possible connection.
Abegaz EG, Bursey RG.
Dermatitis. 2009 May-Jun;20(3):176-7; author reply 177-9.
No abstract available. PMID: 19470307
Eyassu G. Abegaz *
Robert G. Bursey
Ajinomoto Corporate Services LLC, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs,
1120 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20036
* Corresponding author. Tel.: 
+1 202 457 0284
;
fax: 
+1 202 457 0107
.
abeg...@ajiusa.com
 (E.G. Abegaz),
bur...@ajiusa.com
 (R.G. Bursey)
"For example, fruit juices, coffee, and alcoholic beverages produce
significantly greater quantities of formaldehyde than aspartame-
containing products. [6]"
"[6] Magnuson BA, Burdock GA, Doull J, et al. Aspartame: a
safety evaluation based on current use levels, regulations, and
toxicological and epidemiological studies.
Crit Rev Toxicol 2007;37:629-727"
[ two detailed critiques of industry affiliations and biased science
in
99 page review with 415 references by BA Magnuson, GA Burdock
and 8 more, Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2007 Sept.: Mark D
Gold 13 page: also Rich Murray 2007.09.15: 2008.03.24
http://rmforall.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.htm
Monday, March 24, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1531
"Nearly every section of the Magnuson (2007) review has research
that is misrepresented
and/or crucial pieces of information are left out.
In addition to the misrepresentation of the research,
readers (including medical professionals) are often not told that
this review was funded by the aspartame manufacturer, Ajinomoto,
and the reviewers had enormous conflicts of interest." ]
_____________________________________________________
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579335
Dermatitis. 2008; 19(3): E10-E11.
© 2008  American Contact Dermatitis Society
Formaldehyde, Aspartame, and Migraines: A Possible Connection
Sharon E. Jacob; Sarah Stechschulte
Published: 09/17/2008
Abstract
Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that has been linked
to pediatric and adolescent migraines.
Upon ingestion, aspartame is broken, converted, and oxidized into
formaldehyde in various tissues.
We present the first case series of aspartame-associated migraines
related to clinically relevant positive reactions to formaldehyde
on patch testing.
Case Series
Six patients (ages 16 to 75 years) were referred for evaluation of
recalcitrant dermatitis. By history, five of the patients were noted
to
have developed migraines following aspartame consumption; the
sixth reported dermatitis flares associated with diet cola
consumption of >2 liters/day.
All six patients had current environmental exposures to formaldehyde
or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in their personal hygiene
products and/or regular consumption of "sugar-free food" artificially
sweetened with aspartame.
Based on their histories and clinical presentations, these patients
were patch-tested with the North American Contact Dermatitis
Group 65-allergen Standard Screening Series and selected
chemicals from the University of Miami vehicle, fragrance, bakery,
and textile trays.
All six patients had positive reactions to formaldehyde, and four had
additional positive reactions to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
(FRPs). Expert counseling on allergen avoidance (including
avoidance of formaldehyde, FRPs, and aspartame) and alternative
product recommendations were provided to the patients.
At their follow-up appointments (between 8 and 12 weeks), all the
patients showed clearance of their dermatitis. Four patients (two
inadvertently) resumed their consumption of aspartame and
subsequently returned for an additional follow-up visit. Three of the
first five patients had recurrences of both their migraines and their
dermatitis; the sixth patient (who had no migraines) had a positive
rechallenge dermatitis. These four patients were again counseled on
avoidance regimen.
Discussion
Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that has been linked
to a multitude of ailments, particularly pediatric and adolescent
migraines[1] ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).[2-4]  Studies suggest that
aspartame is a significant migraine trigger, especially when
consumption is prolonged.[1]
Upon ingestion, aspartame is broken down into aspartic acid,
aspartic acid methyl ester, and phenylalanine in the gut wall.[5]
The methyl ester is subsequently converted into methanol, which is
oxidized to formaldehyde and formic acid in various tissues.[6]
Formaldehyde is known to form chemical adducts with nucleic acids
and proteins. These adducts have been found to be difficult to remove
by normal metabolic pathways; hence, accumulation may occur.[6]
To our knowledge, aspartame-associated migraines related to
clinically relevant positive reactions to formaldehyde on patch
testing
have not previously been reported. In 2003, Hill and Belsito reported
a case of a nonmigraine patient with chronic eyelid dermatitis that
cleared when aspartame was discontinued. This case presented the
possibility that formaldehyde from aspartame breakdown could trigger
a systemic contact dermatitis in formaldehyde-sensitive patients.[7]
Like Hill and Belsito's patient, our sixth patient (the only patient
who
did not have migraines) demonstrated a flare of his dermatitis with
consumption of aspartame and clearance with avoidance of
aspartame. Our five migraine cases suggest that aspartame-induced
migraines may be a harbinger for formaldehyde sensitivity and an
important historical point to be elucidated during the initial work-up
of a patient with presumed allergic contact dermatitis.
Although we recognize the limitations of drawing conclusions from a
small sample of patients, we believe this observed association
warrants further investigation. A larger case study with a
double-blind placebo-controlled challenge study with aspartame
capsules and placebo capsules (including nondermatitic control
patients with aspartame-induced migraines) is needed to firmly
establish the association between aspartame breakdown products,
migraines, systemic contact dermatitis, and positive patch-test
reactions to formaldehyde and FRPs.
References
1. Millichap JG, Yee MM. The diet factor in pediatric and
adolescent migraine Pediatr Neurol 2003;28:9-15.
2. The NutraSweet Company: statments. Available at:
http://www.nutrasweet.com/articles/article.asp?Id=47
(accessed July 19, 2007).
3. Flintstones vitamins - the heading brand moms trust and kids love!
Available at: 
http://www.bayercare.com/htm/flintfaq.htm
(accessed February 6, 2007).
4. US Food and Drug Administration: artificial sweeteners: no
calories...sweet! Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/406_sweeteners.html
(accessed July 19, 2007).
5. Murray TG, Burton TC, Rajani C, et al. Methanol poisoning.
A rodent model with structural and functional evidence for retinal
involvement Arch Ophthalmol 1991;109:1012-6.
6. Trocho C, Pardo R, Rafecas I, et al. Formaldehyde derived from
dietary aspartame binds to tissue components in vivo
Life Sci 1998;63:337-49.
7. Hill AM, Belsito DV. Systemic contact dermatitis of the eyelids
caused by formaldehyde derived from aspartame?
Contact Dermatitis 2003;49:258-9.
[ much more... ]
Rich Murray  
rmfo...@comcast.net
 
505-501-2298


Tra l' altro l' aspartame, per sgombrare il campo da ogni dubbio, è
stato comunque eliminato anche da un celeberrimo edulcorante, forse il
più diffuso, il cui ovviamente non posso fare il nome, ma che comincia
per D e termina per R.
Personalmente uso poco D...R e poco fruttosio, tenendo ben sotto
controllo i trigliceridi e gli altri valori del sangue.