Aspartame examined for health effects

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A U.S. review of more than 500 reports has found no evidence that aspartame causes cancer, neurological damage or other health problems in humans.

The review of toxicological, clinical and epidemiological studies dating from 1970s was examined by an international panel from 10 universities and medical schools.

The review, published in Critical Reviews in Toxicology, examined studies that tested a number of health effects of varying levels of aspartame, including amounts that far exceed the acceptable daily intake, on animals and humans.

In addition to healthy adults and children, studies of the effects of the non-nutritive sweetener on adults and children with diabetes, hyperactive and sugar-sensitive children, and people with Parkinson’s disease and depression, were also included.

"There have been continued questions in the media and on the Internet about the safety of aspartame," panel member and University of Maryland food and nutrition professor Bernadene Magnuson, said in a statement. "Our study is a very comprehensive review of all of the research that’s been done on aspartame. Never before has a group with the breadth of experience of this panel looked at this question."