The following is a report
just completed by H. J. Roberts, M.D. on the damaging effects of
aspartame on the eye. The corporate mascot for the NutraSweet
Company is blind Mr. Magoo: amazingly appropriate in view of the
following:
Dr. Roberts "EYE
PROBLEMS"
PROFESSIONAL OPINION OF H. J. ROBERTS, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.C.C.P.,
CONCERNING THE USE OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASPARTAME (NUTRASWEET@)
BY PERSONS WITH EYE PROBLEMS
It is my opinion that individuals who consume products containing
aspartame, including drugs and supplements, should avoid them
when no specific cause can be found for the eye problems:
* Decreased vision -- including blindness in one or both eyes
* Blurring, "bright-flashes", tunnel vision,
"black spots"
* Double vision
* Pain in one or both eyes
* Decreased tears
* Difficulty wearing contact lens
* Unexplained retinal detachment and bleeding
The same precaution is reasonable for persons in whom these
complaints are due to other disorders because they could be
aggravated by aspartame, even in minimal amounts.
* Surgery of immature cataracts should be deferred in patients
who consume aspartame until after abstaining from it for 1-2
months to determine if spontaneous improvement of vision occurs.
* Impaired vision of diabetic patients should not be assumed to
be due to diabetic retinopathy without such a "no aspartame
test" trial.
* A similar trial is warranted in persons diagnosed as having
"macular degeneration".
* The diagnosis of "early multiple sclerosis" - based
on concomitantin eye and neurologic features - should be deferred
pending a "no aspartame test".
These corporate neutral suggestions are based on considerable
observation, research and correspondence published in more than a
score of articles and two books.
* ASPARTAME (NUTRASWEET@) IS IT SAFE? (Philadelphia, Charles
Press)
* SWEET'NER DEAREST: BITTERSWEET VIGNETES ABOUT ASPARTAME
(NUTRASWEET@) (Sun Sentinel Press, P. O. Box 17799, West Palm
Beach, Florida 33416, Telephone 1-800-814-9800: Fax 1 407-832-
2400)
These represent hard - won insights in the trenches of a medical
practice. Patients and consumers should not be misled by the
"negative"
conclusions of flawed studies sponsored by vested interests.
There is no bias or malice intended against any company,
distributor,
researcher or professional who may hold contrary views.
THE ROLE OF ASPARTAME
Each of the components of aspartame - phenylalanine (50%);
aspartic acid (40%); the methyl ester, which promptly becomes
methyl alcohol or methanol (10%) - and their multiple breakdown
products after exposure to heat or during prolonged storage is
potentially toxic to the retina and optic nerves. These organs
are highly vulnerable to metabolic disturbances and neurotoxins
because of their unique metabolic requirements. Methanol
causes swelling of the optic nerve and degeneration of ganglion
cells in the retina.
Particular attention is directed in this regard to (1) the
formaldehyde and formate (formic acid) that result from the
breakdown of methyl alcohol, a severe metabolic poison, and (2)
the D-aspartic acid stereoisomer.
AN OVERVIEW
In my publications and in testimony to Congress and FDA advisory
group, I have expressed the belief that the current wholesale
ingestion of aspartame products by over half the adult population
constitutes a probable "imminent public health hazard."
My concern is bolstered by (1) evidence that these products may
play a causative or aggravating role in many other medical
disorders (including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory
loss, impaired hearing, ringing in the ears, convulsions, and
probably brain tumors), (2) the flawed nature of most
"scientific" studies being used to prove the alleged
safety of these products, and (3) reports of serious reactions
volunteered to the FDA by over 7,300 irate consumers.
In the present context, these statistics are pertinent.
* In my earlier report on 551 aspartame reactors (the data base
is now 833), decreased vision was a major problem in 140 {25.4%),
severe pain in 51 (8.3%), and "dry eyes" or trouble
wearing contact lens in 48 (8.3%). Sixteen patients have lost
vision in one or both eyes.
* The FDA (as of August 1995) had received complaints about a
change in vision from 384 consumers, and "eye
irritation" from 30.
These complications tend to be magnified in persons with
diabetes, hypertension, unrecognized hypothyroidism (underactive
thyroid), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar reactions). reaction to
MSG, treatment with aspirin and other drugs that can irritate the
optic and auditory nerves, persons who smoke or drink alcohol,
and problems associated with aging. They become compounded by the
threat of falls and driving accidents.
"DRY EYES" FROM USE OF ASPARTAME
(NUTRASWEET)
Associated Insights Concerning the Sjogren Syndrome
The Townsend Letter for Doctors, Jan. 1994, by H. J. Roberts,
M.D., FCCP, FACA,
"It is of use from time to time to take stock, so to speak
of our knowledge of a particular disease, to see exactly where we
stand in regard to it, to inquire what conclusions the
accumulated facts seem to point to, and to ascertain in what
direction we may look for
fruitful investigations in the future." Sir William Osler
Abstract
"Dry eyes" and associated difficulty in wearing contact
lenses were prominent complaints offered by 56 (8.3%) of 551
aspartame reactors. Xerostomia (dry mouth) was a frequent
concomitant. The symptoms promptly improved after they stopped
aspartame-containing products, and predictably recurred on
aspartame rechallenge. The concomitant
joint pains, severe confusion, memory loss and depression also
have clinical significance, with special reference to the Sjogren
syndrome.
The cause and management of "dry eyes" challenge
ophthalmologists and primary care physicians. This symptom was
unexpectedly and repeatedly encountered among patients
manifesting other reactions to products containing aspartame, a
sweetener currently being consumed by 54% of adults in the United
States. This complaint was encountered in both the routine
questioning of apparent aspartame reactors and a computerized,
9-page survey of such individuals. Many also volunteered
difficulty in wearing contact lenses due to decreased tears, dry
mouth (xerostomia), joint pains, confusion and memory loss - all
specifically attributed to the use of aspartame products.
Methods
Data were obtained from 551 persons who appeared to have systemic
reactions to aspartame. They consisted of 160 private patients or
aspartame reactors who were personally interviewed, and 391
individuals who described their adverse side effects in the
survey questionnaire...including observations after rechallenge.
The names of the latter group were supplied by Aspartame Victims
and Their Friends (courtesy of Mrs. Shannon Wroth), the Community
Nutrition Institute (courtesy of Mr. Rod Leonard), and Dr.
Woodrow Monte of Arizona State University.
The completed questionnaires were analyzed with the assistance of
the Management Information System staff at the Good Samaritan
Hospital, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Results
Dry eyes, ocular irritation from contact lens, or both, occurred
in 46 (8.3%) aspartame reactors, In addition to the sensation of
local discomfort and "sand" in the eyes, the eyelids of
such patients tend to become swollen and infected, at times with
loss of eyelashes.
The causative or contributory role of aspartame was indicated by
these clear-cut clinical correlates: (1) prompt and gratifying
improvement of ocular and other symptoms following the cessation
of aspartame, generally within several days; and (2) their
recurrence shortly after resuming such products. This sequence
predictably recurred after rechallenge with aspartame, known or
inadvertent.
These observations have been duplicated by more than a score of
patients complaining of dry eyes in subsequent aspartame
reactors. There were related problems. For example, a physician
who consumed considerable diet sodas developed a type of corneal
dystrophy
generally associated with the chronic use of certain drugs (e.g.,
indomethacin).
Computerized correlations between aspartame-associated dry eyes,
and "marked memory loss," "severe depression"
and "severe mental confusion" were done on the first
362 aspartame reactors who completed the questionnaire. (There
was a 30.8% response to the initial mailing of 1,177 forms.) The
correlates were as follows:
* Recent aspartame-associated dry eyes and severe depression - 18
(4.9%)
* Recent aspartame-associated dry eyes and marked memory loss -
20 (5.5%)
* Recent aspartame-associated dry eyes and severe mental
confusion - 9 (2.4%)
Other complaints offered by the larger cohort had considerable
significance, with particular reference to the Sjogren syndrome.
They included excessive thirst due to dry mouth (xerostomia) in
65 (12%), and severe joint pains in 58 (11%). It is noteworthy
that three-fourths of patients in this and the large series of
aspartame reactors were women averaging 50 years, a phenomenon
also encountered
in the Sjogren syndrome.
Representative Case Reports
Case 1 - A 47 year-old woman complained of severe dryness of the
eyes that required one bottle of artificial tears a week. Her
consumption of aspartame included 10-12 glasses or cups of
aspartame-sweetened beverages, the addition of a tabletop
sweetener to 3 cups of coffee in the morning, and considerable
aspartame pudding. She also suffered confusion, significant
memory loss, intense headaches (never previously a problem),
impaired hearing, lightheadedness, severe
"nervousness," muscle cramps, and depressions with
suicidal thoughts.
These symptoms markedly improved after stopping aspartame, and
disappeared within several weeks. She no longer required
artificial tears. Such dramatic improvement enabled her to travel
abroad several weeks later with her church group for relief work.
Case 2 - A 36 year-old businesswoman complained of recent
difficulty wearing contact lenses. She had been consuming
considerable amounts of soft drinks and gum containing aspartame.
These and other symptoms - including lightheadedness, headache
and leg cramps - abated within two weeks after all aspartame
products were avoided.
Case 3 - a 61 year-old female court reporter developed dry eyes
and bilateral blurring of vision. Other recent complaints
included marked memory loss, severe headache, dizziness, extreme
irritability, and atypical facial and joint pains. As a result,
she had been making many errors at work. The patient improved
"immediately" when she ran out of
aspartame-containing beverages, and resumed regular sodas. She
therefore deduced that aspartame products had been causing her
problems. Her previous daily consumption included 4 cans of
aspartame soft drinks, 2 glasses of aspartame hot chocolate, and
6 packets of an aspartame tabletop sweetener.
Comment
The unexpected associated of aspartame use and dry eyes offers
clues concerning this symptom and the Sjogren syndrome. Other
problems encountered in aspartame reactors, especially dry mouth
and joint pains provide related insights.
Two reactors who complained of "thick saliva" developed
enlargement and tenderness of the parotid glands. The secretory
structures of the salivary glands presumably had been affected by
aspartame, as well as the lacrimal glands. The affinity of
aspartame for salivary glands were demonstrated experimentally by
the prompt uptake of isotopically-labelled aspartame.
The Sjogren or sicca syndrome affects an estimated 2% of the
adult population. The reduction or absence of lacrimal and
salivary secretions results in dry eyes and dryness of the mouth.
(The diagnostic lipstick-on-teeth sign consists of lipstick
adhering to the upper front teeth). This disorder is presently
regarding as a chronic autoimmune disorder resulting from
lymphocyte-mediated destruction of these glands and changes in
the points.
A vicious cycle is likely to ensue if considerable
aspartame-containing beverages are consumed because of the
intense thirst created by severe dryness of the mouth.
Weiffenbach et al. demonstrated that taste impairment is not a
necessary consequence of
salivary gland dysfunction among patients with "dry
mouth" caused by the chronic absence of saliva. Accordingly,
such individuals may come to prefer the taste of aspartame in
satisfying their chronic thirst, with perpetuation of the sicca
syndrome.
The systemic and central nervous system sequelae of the Sjogren
syndrome underscore the potential importance of these findings.
Cognitive impairment and lamenting features have been reported by
one-fourth of Sjogren patients. Severe confusion and memory loss
also
were noted in 157 (28.5%) aspartame reactors in the present
series. Indeed, many reactors in their third and fourth decades
asked, "Could I be developing early Alzheimer's
disease?" The prompt and impressive regression of their
confusion and memory impairment after abstinence from aspartame
proved reassuring.
Several phenomenon may explain cerebral dysfunction associated
with aspartame use. They include flooding of the brain with large
amounts of phenylalanine (50% of the aspartame molecule),
disturbances of neurotransmitters (especially dopamine), other
effects of its three
chemical components (phenylalanine, aspartic acid, methanol),
methanol-induced cerebral edema, and glucopenia due to increased
insulin release and concomitant decreased food intake in an
attempt to lose weight.
***************** U.S. Senate on
NutraSweet ******************
The following is a letter presented before the U.S. Senate
hearings on NutraSweet. It was written by Dr. Morgan B.
Raiford, M.D., Ps, Msc Med. Ophthalmology (Raiford 1987):
"I had the opportunity, in Atlanta, Ga., to see the effects
of methyl alcohol toxicity in 1952-1953 which resulted in visual
damage to the optic nerves and retina in over 300 cases and the
deaths of over 30 persons.
"I examined Shannon Roth on July 7, 1986, along with several
other patients [65 cases as of July 10, 1986 (Roberts 1990, page
136)]. I observed evidence of effects in her eye and the eyes of
the other patients that were comparable to the effects observed
in the patients who suffered methyl alcohol toxicity in
1952-1953.
"There was damage in the central fibers, 225,000 of the
total 137,000,000 optic nerve fibers (resulting in optic nerve
atrophy) in her case, which would be comparable to that observed
from patients suffering methyl alcohol toxicity. The extent of
damage to these fibers would explain partial to total blindness.
"But in the kind of chronic low dose exposure to methyl
alcohol experienced by Shannon Roth (in NutraSweet consumption)
and other NutraSweet consumers, it is likely that they would
experience the impact on the optic nerve differently in each eye.
"The important point is that the damage observed in Shannon
Roth's eye was identical to the damage I observed repeatedly in
the eyes of individuals whose eyes have been damaged by methyl
alcohol toxicity."
Raiford, Morgan B., 1987. Letter from Dr.
Morgan B. Raiford to the Office of Senator Howard Metzenbaum. The
statement was put in the record before the U.S. Senate Committee
on Labor and Human Resources, November 3, 1987 regarding
"NutraSweet Health and Safety Concerns." Document # Y
4.L 11/4:S.HR6.100, page 517-518.
Roberts, H.J. 1990. "Aspartame (NutraSweet¨):Is It
Safe?" by
H.J. Roberts, M.D. The Charles Press Publishers,
Philadelphia, PA, c1990. Excerpt from page 91.
********************* Dr. James Bowen ***********************
In a statement to the FDA by Dr. James Bowen he said:
"Every known metabolite of aspartame is of marked or
questionable toxicity and patently unsafe for human use. Methyl
alcohol is metabolized to nascent formaldehyde in the eye,
nervous system and other metabolically active organs. It
immediately attacks and denatures the tissue structure proteins
in which it is metabolized to nascent formaldehyde. This
stimulates specific organ and subcellular autoimmunity which
seems to be a preponderant source of the bad experiences reported
by NutraSweet victims. Aspartic acid is a neuroexcitotoxin
present in damaging amounts in its own right, at the ADI for
aspartame.
Simple logic tells one that it will vastly increase the
metabolism of methyl alcohol to formaldehyde in the desinosomes
of the periventricular cells of the central nervous system, thus
focusing the nascent formaldehyde attack there. This corresponds
well with the
symptomatologies often experienced, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease
(ALS), bulbar palsies, neurohormonal disorders, etc. Also visual
disturbances, heart palpitations, infertility and fetal loss may
be traced to aspartame ingestion. The diketopiperazine issue
remains totally unresolved and dangerous. The amino acids that
are released by hydrolysis, from eimers
and isomers that are either not sufficiently studied, or which
are known substrates in undesirable pathological states such as
Alzheimer's disease."...
************************ Merck Index ************************
Merck Index: Tenth Edition: 5816: Methanol: Methyl alcohol..wood
alcohol...
"Poisoning may occur from ingestion, inhalation or
percutaneous absorption. Acute Effects: Headache, fatigue,
nausea, visual impairment or complete blindness (may be
permanently), acidosis, convulsions..respiratory failure, death.
Death from ingestion of less
than 30 ml. has been reported. .."
That's very interesting since this is what we see with aspartame,
and I for one don't want methanol in my food and drink or body.
Yes, it is a solvent, and thats what it should be used for not
added for food.
The Merck goes on: "Industrial solvent: Raw material for
making
formaldehyde and methyl esters of organic and inorganic acids ..
This is what happens in your body. Methanol converts to
formaldehyde
and formic acid (ant sting poison) and causes metabolic acidosis.
In the book FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY BY Jean Bogert, eighth
edition, on page 286 it says:
"Methyl Alcohol or "wood alcohol" taken internally
is a dangerous poison. It paralyzes the optic nerve and as little
as 10 cc may cause blindness. Its use as a solvent in industries
causes a hazard for workmen unless forced ventilation is
installed, since continual breathing
of the vapors, may result in blindness. A similar hazard exists
when it is used as an antifreeze agent in automobile radiators,
since it is vaporized by engine heat and the toxic vapor may be
swept back into the car. Methyl (wood) alcohol is sometimes
present in improperly prepared distilled liquors and is added to
ethyl alcohol to render it unfit for
beverage purposes. ("denatured alcohol")."
The problems coming from this in aspartame are very serious,
especially so much vision loss and blindness. Even the Government
says they are going to redo the currency in 1996 because people
are having problems reading it and they think its coming from
diabetes. Well aspartame triggers diabetes (Dr. Russell Blaylock,
neurosurgeon says that in his book
EXCITOTOXINS; THE TASTE THAT KILLS) and it triggers blindness.
People begin to slur their words when they get a good deal of
aspartame and lost their equilibrium. We have so many case
histories where they are diagnosed as multiple sclerosis when in
reality its a methanol toxicity which mimics MS. If you will read
my post in nutrition
newsgroup under Coca Cola/Health-Attitude you'll see a case
history of exactly that. We see these cases over and over again.
There is so much blindness from aspartame that in October, l986
the Community Nutrition Institute in Washington, D.C. filed a
petition with the FDA to have it banned because of its link to
blindness. (CHICAGO SUN TIMES, Friday, October 17, 1986 titled:
CONSUMER GROUP LINKS NUTRASWEET TO BLINDNESS) The methanol
converts to formaldehyde in the retina.
This is especially serious in diabetics because sometimes
physicians think its just diabetic retinopathy when their
patients are going blind. There are so many diabetics going blind
because of aspartame and its just criminal. As a man told me just
this last Saturday: "My mother was doing so well as a
diabetic. She had been using saccharin but decided to
switch to NutraSweet. She went completely blind." I hear
that so much its like a broken record. And this is just one of
the reasons we are trying so desperately to get this poison off
the market.
In the article in the Chicago Sun Times they quote Dr. H. J.
Roberts who said: "Of 360 patients he has diagnosed as
having aspartame-related problems, Roberts said, about one-fourth
had decreased vision or blindness, nearly half had severe
headaches and substantial numbers had epileptic seizures,
confusion or memory loss, extreme depression and marked
personality change." Keep in mind this was in l986 when was
in about 600 products - now the patent has expired and its in
5000 products and climbing!
Here's more info about methanol from an article by Dr. Ron Austin
of Norwalk, California in his newsletter BACK ISSUES TITLED:
NutraSweet Friend or Foe!
"One man's (Nutra) Sweet is another
man's poison! ...Methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol), a
poisonous substance, is added as a component during the
manufacture of aspartame (NutraSweet). This methanol is
subsequently released within hours of consumption in the small
intestine. However, in humans this process is sped up
tremendously if the methanol is ingested as a free methanol such
as occurs in soft drinks after storage or in other foods after
being heated. Regardless as to whether this happens or not 10% of
the weight of aspartame intake of an individual will be absorbed
by the bloodstream as methanol within hours after consumption.
Important note: Up until date there has been no
therapeutic (healing) properties of this substance (methanol) and
it has been considered to be a poison. The ingestion of two (2)
teaspoons is considered to be deadly in humans."
..."Methyl alcohol has a selective action on the optic nerve
and can cause blindness, the consumption of as little as 30 ml
(two teaspoons) has caused death. Methyl alcohol is used as a
polar solvent for plastics, paints, and varnishes, as an
antifreeze, and in the manufacture of formaldehyde and other
methyl compounds such as methyl amine, methyl
chloride, and methyl methacrylate. Patients may complain of
lethargy (extreme tiredness), confusion, and impairment of
speech, all signs of nervous system involvement. The individual
may suffer leg cramps, back pain, severe headache, abdominal
pain, labored breathing, vertigo and visual loss, the latter
being a very important clue to making a diagnosis
of this type (methanol) poisoning. In severe cases the liver,
kidneys, heart and lungs show dangerous signs of
degeneration."
These symptoms are what we are seeing in the population on a
grand scale, the reason for the warning flyers we distribute
worldwide. People see the symptoms and realize what the culprit,
and hopefully get off of it before it takes their life.
Dr. Austin goes on about CHRONIC OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE IN HUMANS:
"Many of the signs and symptoms of intoxication due to
methanol ingestion are not specific to methyl (wood) alcohol. For
example, headache, ear buzzing, dizziness, nausea and unsteady
gait (intoxicated or drunk type of walking), gastrointestinal
disturbances, weakness, vertigo, chills, memory lapses, numbness
and shooting pains in the lower extremities, hands and forearms,
behavioral disturbances and neuritis. The most distinctive signs
and symptoms of this type of poisoning in humans are the various
visual disturbances such as: misty vision, progressive
contraction of the visual fields (tunnel vision) mist before the
eyes, blurring of vision and indistinct vision."
We are having a lot of problems with pilots having vision
problems from aspartame. They are reporting to the Worldwide
Pilot Hotline (214 352-4268) and keeping them quite busy. You may
remember that the American Airliner that fell out of the sky in
December was reported as "pilot error - tunnel vision"!
Many of them are having grand mal seizures in the cockpits of
commercial airliners full of passengers. In fact, I asked Mary
Stoddard of the Worldwide Pilot Hotline just yesterday could she
give a number of how many seizures there had been. She said:
"They are still putting them in the database and haven't
come to a total count as yet." They come in quite
frequently. The United States Air Force warned all pilots off
this neurotoxin in their journal FLYING SAFETY in May 1992.
We quote it on our flyer:
"...Some people have suffered aspartame related disorders
with doses as small as that carried in a single stick of chewing
gum. This could mean a pilot who drinks diet sodas is more
susceptible to flicker vertigo, or to flicker-induced epileptic
activity. It also means that all pilots are potential victims of
sudden memory loss, dizziness during instrument
flight and gradual loss of vision." Thank you, United States
Air Force! The Navy said the same thing in Navy Physiology!
And they are having a great deal of problems with methanol even
in the plants. Dr. Austin quotes one case: "A 21 year old
non-drinking male who had been exposed daily to the fine dust of
aspartame (NutraSweet) at the packaging plant he had been working
at for over one year, was complaining of blurred vision,
headaches, dizziness, and depression
before his sudden death. An autopsy revealed liver, kidneys,
heart and lungs degeneration (disease). The damage to the heart
was as if the man had been an alcoholic between the ages of 30
and 50 and up to 50% of his food intake for over a 10 to 15 year
period was alcohol. Mind you, he was a 21 year old non-drinker!!
But I only have one soft drink daily
with NutraSweet, surly that can't kill me, right? "
Incidently, the Aspartame Consumer Safety
Network keeps the autopsy reports on file of those who die from
NutraSweet, and they have this one.
A good deal of Dr. Austin's newsletter is quoted from Dr. Woodrow
Monte's report: ASPARTAME; METHANOL AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH
(JOURNAL OF APPLIED NUTRITION, VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1, 1984). Dr.
Monte said back then that the public use of this toxin might
constitute the test of its safety! It has - we have seen all the
things he said would happen on a large scale worldwide. He
pleaded with Congress and the FDA to stop the insanity of
marketing this poison. His eloquent concluding remarks should
never be forgotten:
"I am sure you have been pressured by the petitioner's
attorneys. You must remember you are the American's public last
defense; you must be strong to this mandate, for once you allow
usage there is literally nothing I or my colleagues can do to
reverse the course."
It fell on deaf ears, and the prophecy continues to be fulfilled
as aspartame continues to insult the human constitution causing
disease and death -- and three worldwide organizations - Mission
Possible - the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network and Worldwide
Pilot Hotline send worldwide alerts warning all we can get to, to
get off this toxin and
escape the horrors we see daily from this poison!
CMB
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