False Artificial

False Artificial

Weight Loss & Artificial Sweeteners: Both Safe & Effective, A Doctor's Unbiased View

Artificial sweeteners are safe, effective and very helpful for anyone who is trying to limit their calories. Internet rumors about their safety are not based on any scientific facts. Studies have shown on repeated occasions no increase in hunger, cravings and consistent weight loss.

People really like the taste of sugar, we are born with the desire and it only seems to increase as we age. Diabetic and individuals seeking to prevent weight related medical complications have switched to consuming more and more artificial sweeteners (AS) not only in soft drinks but in almost every food possible. In 1977 4.8% of the population used AS’s daily, it has quadrupled to more than 15% today. Still not has high as one might assume given their popularity

The safety and efficacy of artificial sweeteners for weight control have been the subject of continued controversy in the press and all over the Internet. Numerous health problems have been blamed on the use of AS ranging from multiple sclerosis, cellulite to cancer and kidney stones. When the FDA and the National Cancer Institute and such consumer organizations as Center for Science in the Public Interest settle one issue, another arises. Who should the consumer believe and what should he do? Should the consumer avoid artificial sweeteners because of fear of cancer only to get diabetes, heart disease and other obesity related problems?

It’s hard to know who to believe because there are some many voices. Safety issues long ago settled by the regulatory agencies are brought up by anti-artificial activists who spend a great degree of effort alerting the public as to what they perceive as the dangers of AS. Most are hypothetical questions totally lacking scientific evidence? While they claim to be unbiased and “independent” they simply are not qualified to be able to scientifically evaluate the numerous safety evaluations, complex toxicological studies and expert committee reports. Instead of using peer reviewed medical reports their conclusions are based on person experience and anecdotal stories.  As in all life sciences false positives and false negatives are a fact of life and expertise is required to properly interpret data from such studies. Over-simplistic interpretations lead to incorrect conclusions.

What is the consumer to do in this situation? Like any issue, the consumer needs to seek out the most trusted, experienced and educated experts he can find. This is not difficult since there is literally a mountain of reliable scientific studies, some old and some very recent.

Here are the issues to answer:

1.  Based on the most reliable, scientifically proven studies are artificial sweeteners safe?
2. Do artificial sweeteners help people lose weight and prevent the complications of obesity?

To answer these questions I have relied on the best scientific studies I was able to find over the past 20 years.  Here are the guidelines I have used to evaluate the data.
1. Only scientific studies written by MD’s or PhD from recognized university medical centers are even considered.
2. The scientific evidence had to be presented in a scientific, recognized, peer reviewed medical journal, containing not only the qualifications of the authors, the location of the studies, pertinent medical references as well as any disclosures of conflict of interests of the authors.
3. Evidence from regulatory agencies both US and European, and position papers from expert committees of scientific associations.

Surprisingly, the answers are much simpler than one would think: Of the two issues, safety and efficacy, the safety issue has been settled by all reasonable individuals: AS’s ARE SAFE FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE

There are published safety standards for consumption of AS. The  term ADI(Acceptable Daily Intake) is used. by the  FDA, the  Joint Commission of Experts on Food Additives of the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the European Food Safety Agency. In general the ADI’s include  about 20 cans (12 oz.) per day of diet cola for aspartame, 12 packets of saccharin sweetener and 6 cans of diet cola for sucralose. Here are some of the issues on the use of artificial sweeteners and the generally accepted conclusions regarding their safety:

Aspartame and Headaches:
Randomized, double blind controlled studies in individuals who were convinced that aspartame caused their headaches done in a clinical research center failed to show that aspartame produced headaches.  Numerous long terms, high dose aspartame studies showed no evidence of headaches from aspartame.

Aspartame and Cancer:
Researchers examined the relationship between aspartame and lymphoma, leukemia, and malignant brain cancers and found no increase rate of any malignancy due to consumption of artificial sweeteners in animals or humans. After an Italian report of increased cancer in rats fed large doses of AS, the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-examined all of the human and animal evidence again and confirmed the safety of AS and rejected the need for  further studies. The National Cancer Institute examined human data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study of over half a million retirees which included participants drinking from 1-2 cans of soda to day to as much as 11 cans a day (the average was 2 cans per day or about 7% of the ADI) .Even at this high level of intake there was no increase risk of cancer or any other medical problems. (see http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/aspartame)

Aspartame and multiple sclerosis, seizures, chronic fatigue, visual disturbances:
Again all of these reports are based on anecdotal stories. No reliable reports have proven any connection between aspartame and these disorders.
Aspartame does carry a cautionary note, however. It isn't safe for people who have the rare hereditary disease phenylketonuria (PKU). Products that contain aspartame must carry a PKU warning on the label.

Here are the position papers of the major academic institutions involved in the safety issue of artificial sweeteners:

“Available evidence suggests that consumption of aspartame by normal humans is safe and is not associated with serious adverse health effects." American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs report, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, July 19, 1985

"Present levels of aspartame consumption appear to be safe for those who do not have PKU. . . . The blood phenylalanine levels reported in response to loading doses of aspartame in normal adults and those heterozygous for the PKU gene do not seem to be sufficiently high to warrant concern of toxicity to the individual or even to a fetus during pregnancy."American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, Task Force on the Dietary Management of Metabolic Disorders, December 1985 Final Report

"The American Diabetes Association finds the use of the two commercially available non-caloric sweeteners saccharin and aspartame to be acceptable. The use of both sweeteners is encouraged for the particular advantages of each." Position statement of the American Diabetes Association,

"Use of No caloric Sweeteners," 1990 (issued prior to the approval of acesulfame K)
"Evidence indicates that long-term consumption of aspartame is safe and is not associated with any adverse health effects." American Dietetic Association "Use of Nutritive and Nonnutritive Sweeteners" position statement, July 1993

The finest scientists from all over the world have agreed that artificial sweeteners used in moderation are safe for adults, children, pregnant women and even breast feeding women. The regulatory agencies across the world as do all of the professional societies have reached a similar conclusion. Substituting artificial sweetened beverages and foods for naturally sweetened ones, especially the juices and sodas, can lead to a significant reduction in calories for those on calorie-reduced diets but who still crave sweets.

However, adding more calories because the sugar calories are reduced defeats the whole purpose.

The debate about the safety and efficacy of artificial sweeteners will most likely continue for years until more conclusive studies come up with a definitive answer. In the meantime, artificial sweeteners can be found in everything from cookies to ice cream to sodas.

Anybody who wants to avoid foods containing aspartame can identify its presence from the label. Consumers can make informed choices because food manufacturers are required to list food additives and other ingredients, including sweeteners, on labels.

___________________________________________________________________________________
[phpzon]False Artificial, 10[/phpzon]

Natures Plus Ultra Hair Plus 60 Tablets $22 This energy supplement is in a special base which provides for the gradual release of ingredients over a prolonged period of time. This formula is gluten, yeast, artificial color and preservative free. Approved for both men and women.

Diamond Herpanacine Dietary Supplement With Antioxidants 200 Capsules $49 Since 1990, Herpanacine Skin Support System, formulated by Dr. Wayne Diamond, restores the skin's natural health and beauty with a focus on Prevention.Working at the root of the problem, internally, Herpanacine cleanses the skin layers, brings toxins out, balances the nervous system and bodily chemistry, while strengthening the immune system. Herpanacine supports the body to fight off future skin eruptions and infections.This formulation contains no yeast, dairy, corn, wheat, sugar, artificial preservatives, artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

New Chapter Organics Every Mans One Daily Multi Vitamin 72 Tablets $45 Every Man's One Daily is a once-daily organic whole-food multivitamin formulated specifically for the needs of active men. This once-daily formula is easy-to-take, easy-to-digest, and can be taken anytime - even on an empty stomach!Benefits:Provides energy and supports the immune system.100% vegetarian; no artificial flavors or colors.

New Chapter Organics Every Womans One Daily Multi Vitamin 72 Tablets $45 Every Woman's One Daily is a once-daily organic whole-food multivitamin formulated specifically for the needs of active women. This supplement helps to calm stress while improving the immune system and bone health.Benefits:Easy-to-take, easy-to-digest, and can be taken anytime.100% vegetarian; no artificial flavors or colors.Promotes hormone and immune system health.

New Chapter Organics Every Man Multi Vitamin 120 Tablets $60 Every Man's One Daily is a once-daily organic whole-food multivitamin formulated specifically for the needs of active men. This once-daily formula is easy-to-take, easy-to-digest, and can be taken anytime - even on an empty stomach!Benefits:100% vegetarian; no artificial flavors or colors.Provides stress support and promote dynamic energy levels.

Stila Glamoureyes Mascara 0.29oz $22 Formulated to perfectly adhere to each and every lash, this next-generation mascara leaves lashes soft, voluptuous and lengthened all day. The unique multi-level brush fluffs and volumizes, while the second level lengthens and curls. A weightless, film-forming polymer wraps lashes and instantly lengthens, defines and adds volume, creating the appearance of false lashes.

LOccitane Pure Organic Shea Butter 4.9oz $40 Formerly known as L'Occitane 100% Pure Shea Butter.This buttery-emollient is a powerful moisturizer. Shea Butter's natural benefits will protect, nourish and moisturize dry and sensitive skin. Contains 100% organic plant-based ingredients, extracted from wild kernels of Shea tree fruits.Issued from fair trade in Burkina Faso (West Africa). Free from synthetic pesticide, artificial fertilizer and preservatives.

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair 1oz $58 Osmotics' advanced research has discovered the next generation in copper technology for promoting firmer, healthier, younger looking skin. This elegant formulation combines the proven benefits of copper with our new anti-aging molecule, the 5-chain Penta-Peptide.Benefits:Increases firmness, elasticity and tone.Promotes radiance and skin clarity for a luminous complexion.Increases skin's natural moisture resulting in smoother more even texture.Non-comedogenic, no artificial colors or fragrances.Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive.

Osmotics Calming Cleansing Milk 4oz $24 A gentle, non-alkaline, soap-free cleanser for the face, containing botanical extracts of Chamomile and St. John's Wort to calm and soothe irritation and redness. Contains no mineral oils, artificial colors, dyes or fragrances.Soothing botanicals improve the look, feel and appearance of sensitive skin or any skin type that is suffering from irritation and rednessMild, non-alkaline formula holds moisture in the skin, while leaving it feeling soft and moistOne-step cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities without any irritation

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair 1.7oz $85 Osmotics' advanced research has discovered the next generation in copper technology for promoting firmer, healthier, younger looking skin. This elegant formulation combines the proven benefits of copper with our new anti-aging molecule, the 5-chain Penta-Peptide.Benefits:Increases firmness, elasticity and tone.Promotes radiance and skin clarity for a luminous complexion.Increases skin's natural moisture resulting in smoother more even texture.Non-comedogenic, no artificial colors or fragrances.Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive.

---

Ballade with Artificial Harmonics on Sandberg bass