I discovered an extraordinary correlation between aspartame (marketed as Nutrasweet and in its generic form) and increasing breast and prostate cancer incidence.

My observation occurred while I was researching the metabolism of aspartame. Aspartame consists of phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol (wood alcohol). Upon metabolism, Nutrasweet breaks down into aspartic acid, a neuroexcitatory agent, ¹ phenylalanine, an amino acid, and methanol. The methanol is converted to formaldehyde, ² which then accumulates within the cells. ³

Formaldehyde has been considered an inducer of cancer ⁴ and acts to alter DNA. ^5,6 Thus, it seemed reasonable to superimpose a graph of breast cancer incidence against that of the rising use of Nutrasweet (aspartame).

Nutrasweet received limited approval for use as a sweetener in 1974, then further expansion in 1981 and unlimited approval in 1983. These points are marked on the curve of breast cancer increases obtained from the governmental surveillance statistics (see graph).

A similar relation was found with prostate cancer. Interestingly, breast and prostate cancer rates are five to six times higher in Europe and North America than in Asia and Africa, the latter correlating with lower use of Nutrasweet. ^7,8 Also, review of the original Nutrasweet animal laboratory research findings released under the Freedom of Information Act revealed mammary tumors were observed in many of the animals.

The correlation associated with a likely mechanism of cancer induction in susceptible people points to a need for immediate scrutiny of aspartame as an environmental cause of many thousands of cancer cases.

George R. Schwartz, M.D.
Santa Fe, NM
drgschwartz@yahoo.com

1. Blaylock, Russell L.: Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills, 1997, Health Press.

2. Osborn H.: Alcohol Substitutes. Treatment of Poisonings by Methanol, Ethylene Glycol and Isopropyl Alcohol p. 741-5 in Schwartz GR, et al. Eds, Principles and Practice of Emergency Medicine, Lippincott/William & Wilkins, 1999.

3. Trocho, et al. Formaldehyde Derived from Dietary Aspartame Binds to Tissue Components In Vivo. Life Sciences 63(5):337-349, 1998.

4. Shaham D, et al. DNA-Protein Crosslinks: A Biomarker of Exposure to Formaldehyde. Carcinogenesis, Jan. 1996.

5. Ross WE, MCMillan DR, Ross CF: Comparison of DNA Damage by Methylmelamines and Formaldehyde, Journal National Cancer Institute 67:217-21, 1981.

6. Cassanova, et al.: DNA-Protein Cross-links and Cell Replication at Specific Sites in the Nose of F344 Rats Exposed Subchronically to Formaldehyde, Fundamental and Applied Toxicology 223, 535-536, 1994.

7. Fisher B, et al.: Neoplasms of the Breast. P. 1706-1774, Cancer Medicine, 3rd Ed. Lea & Febiger, 1993.

8. Trump DL, Neoplasms of the Prostate. p. 1562-1580, Cancer Medicine, 3rd Ed. Lea & Febiger, 1993.

Suggested Reading:

• Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills
  by Dr. Russell Blaylock
  This book is a detailed expose of how MSG and aspartame (Nutrasweet) affects the human body and brain. "This is an electrifying and important book that should be available to every American consumer."
       Wilson Library Bulletin

• Battling the MSG Myth: A Survival Guide and Cookbook
  by Debby Angelsey
  This highly informative book is recommended by and for doctors and for people who suspect or know their migraines, stomach disorders, or other chronic conditions are caused by Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Aspartame. It offers over 400 recipes and several chapters devoted to educate the wary consumer.

Other Books by Dr. Schwartz:

• In Bad Taste:The MSG Syndrome
  "Anyone who suffers migraines, depression or any other conditions possibly triggered by the virtually ubiquitous flavor-enhancer might benefit from this eye-opening book."
       Los Angeles Times Book Review