07 February 2008

I would like to vigorously support the proposed ban on aspartame.

For the past 20 years I have written about the very significant health hazards of this artificial sweetener. I am convinced that it can lower seizure threshold, mimic or exacerbate multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, contribute to the risk for certain cancers, and paradoxically increase appetite and thus play a significant role in the worldwide epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The aspartame industry will undoubtedly cite the many studies attesting to safety. It is important to recognize however that virtually all such studies were funded by the industry. Nearly all independently funded studies identify one or more problems.

Ralph G. Walton, M.D.
Former Professor and Chairman,
Department of Psychiatry
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Medical Director,
Safe Harbor Behavioral Health

Ralph G. Walton M.D.
Safe Harbor Behavioral Health
1330 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 16508
http://www.safeharborbh.org
814-459-9300