Source: http://www.healingresearch.org/nutrasweet.html

Western Journal of Medicine, Volume 171,
No. 3, November/December 1999

Nutrasweet (Aspartame) and Breast and Prostate Cancer

I discovered an extraordinary correlation between asparatame (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.

  Chart http://www.dorway.com/icons/breast.gif

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.

      Defense Against Alzheimer's Disease by Dr. H.J. Roberts
Alzheimer's disease is a relentless affliction of the brain. H.J.
Roberts, MD, condenses decades of careful observation and considerable
research in this unprecedented original contribution.

 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

      Principles and Practice of Emergency Medicine (4th Edition) "The
careful organization and mixture of applicability with academic
background create a text that should be available to every emergency
department in the country for immediate 'hands-on' consultation by the
practicing physician." Chest 1993, 3rd edition