Aspartame-Induced Hypertension
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made of two aninoacids and a methanol molecule that binds them together. The effects of these substances on the human organism are not all positive. The metabolic fate of the constituents of aspartame has been brushed off in the approval process.
Problems are getting more and more serious, with numerous studies finding an increased incidence of cancers and other illness after ingestion of aspartame. So much so that the big soft drink manufacturers are gearing up to getting approval for and using stevia, a plant extract, instead of aspartame.
Here is another tidbit: Aspartame seems to be the cause of high blood pressure or hypertension in many of those using it. Thanks to Betty Martini for the information, written up as a letter to the editor, by Dr H. J. Roberts:
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Overlooked Aspartame-Induced HypertensionTo the Editor: As a constructive comment on the excellent article by Trewet, C. L. and Ernst, [1] on "resistant hypertension", allow me to mention an important factor contributing to hypertension that continues to be overlooked: "diet" products containing aspartame which are being consumed by an estimated two-thirds of the population.
I reported earlier on hypertension in 64 aspartame reactors who were not known to have had an elevated blood pressure prior to using this chemical. [2] Its severity was impressive - e.g., a registered nurse with readings as high as 280/160. The blood pressure in another nurse rose to 240/150. Several patients were studies to rule out pheochromocytoma. The causative role of aspartame products was indicted by 1) the striking improvement or normalization of blood pressure after stopping aspartame, and 2) the prompt recurrence of hypertension following aspartame resumption.
The association of hypertension with the consumption of cola beverages (Diet Coke (TM)) has been confirmed by Winkelmayer et al in a large prospective study of female nurses - but NOT with caffeine consumption. They speculated that "perhaps some other compound contained in soda-type soft drinks .... may be responsible for the increased risk of hypertension."
I have reviewed the likely pharmacologic basis, especially the conversion of phenylalanine (comprising half of the aspartame molecule) to dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine ... all pressor substances. [2] Other aspartame reactors have evidenced peripheral vasomotor features (including the Raynaud phenomenon, [2] and probable pulmonary hypertension. [4]
At the very least, persons with hypertension that resist conventional therapy ought to avoid aspartame products.
H. J. Roberts, MD, FACP, FCCP
Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research, Inc.
West Palm Beach, FloridaReferences
1. Trewet CL, Ernest ME. Resistant hypertension; identifying causes and optimizing treatment regimens. South Med J 2008; 101-166-173
2. Robert HJ Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic West Palm Beach, Sunshine Sentinel Press, 2001
3. Winkelmayer WC, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, et al. Habitual caffeine intake and the risk of hypertension in women JAMA 2005;294: 2330-2335.
4. Roberts HJ Aspartame induced dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 2003: 54-55.
posted by Sepp Hasslberger on Wednesday September 17 2008
URL of this article:
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2008/09/17/aspartameinduced_hypertension.htm
