KEY POINTS:
Chewing gum, soft drinks, and other products containing an artificial sweetener linked to health problems should be clearly labelled with warnings, says Green MP Sue Kedgley.
Aspartame, often sold under the brand name NutraSweet, is internationally used in thousands of foods and beverages, including diet soft drinks and sugar-free gum.
Ms Kedgley said the recent case of Abigail McCormack, who thought she was dying after a four-pack-a-day chewing gum habit led to crippling muscle cramps, tingling in her hands and feet, heart palpitations and anxiety attacks, highlighted the lack of warnings. The Wellington woman's health problems stopped when she ceased chewing aspartame-sweetened gum.
Ms Kedgley said many consumers had no idea the additive had been linked to a "significant number" of side-effects, particularly when consumed in large quantities.
Once ingested, aspartame broke down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol, which in turn converted into formaldehyde, a neurotoxin used as embalming fluid.
She said it was essential consumers were alerted to potential side-effects, and the Government had a duty to require this information to be provided.
"The problem is that products containing aspartame are being touted as a healthier alternative, and this means that many children are being exposed to potentially large doses of this artificial sweetener."
While it was important to limit sugar intake, to replace sugar with a controversial additive was not the answer, the MP said.
There were now "credible" international studies suggesting a link between aspartame and cancer in animals. These studies, along with reports of cases such as Ms McCormack's, demanded action from the Government.
- NZPA
