A new Danish epidemiological study may push the European Parliament to place warning labels addressing pregnant women on aspartame. Yet another reason to question artificial sugars.
The Danish study found a statistically significant link between consuming diet soda and pre-term delivery. Since this was a a correlation study and results do not indicate direct cause, more studies are needed to support this evidence.
The label in question states, “Contains aspartame (a source of phenylalanine; might be unsuitable for pregnant women.)” The European Parliament Environment Committee is pushing this label with resistance from the European Food Safety Authority and the French Agency for Food Safety. These committees do not see how the new evidence permits a revision of aspartame’s general safety. They feel further evidence is necessary to amend current recommendations.
There are individuals who disagree with these agencies, namely Corinne Lepage. At the hearing, she stated even though there is not sufficient evidence to change the recommendations, there is enough evidence to question the recommendations. She feels the public should be notified of the doubt surrounding the safety of aspartame, especially pregnant women.
If a product produces such doubt regarding it’s safety, why do people still consume it? If a study came out that a child’s toy, or a car, or a power tool was unsafe people would not think twice about avoiding that product. Why is it we risk so much with risky food?
You may also be interested in diet products linked to stroke incidence.
Image Credit to Creative Commons user stevensnodgrass
See all the hidden facts about aspartame at SourceWatch dot org