Originally posted 2007-09-29:
In an earlier post, I provided links to some credible sources of information on the physiological effects of artificial sweeteners. I recently gleaned a couple more relevant links from a list to which I subscribe.
One: yet another meta-review that, based on numerous studies, found aspartame to be safe. Note that, apparently unlike some other cases, the study does follow best practices of disclosing funding.
Two: The FDA sent a warning letter to Celestial Seasonings about using the “unsafe food additive” stevia–a plant-based sweetener which many promote as a “safe” alternative to oh-so-toxic synthetic sweeteners. MSNBC talks about the letter:
It also said “literature reports have raised safety concerns,” including those “about control of blood sugar, and the effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and renal systems.”
The original letter may be found here, and the resolution here–apparently, it’s fine to sell stuff with these safety concerns, as long as it’s labeled appropriately. Oh well…I suppose you can’t blame the company too much for supplying what the market demands.
