Journal of Advancement in Medicine, Volume 4, Number 4, Winter 1991
H. J. Roberts, MD
H.J. Roberts MD is Director, Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research. He is Senior Active Staff, St. Mary’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital, West Palm Beach. He is author of six texts and was selected the “The Best Doctors in the U.S.” Address correspondence to H. J. Roberts MD, Palm Beach Institute for MedicalResearch, 6708 Pamela Lane, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 FAX 561-547-8008
ABSTRACT: There has been a statistically significant increase of common primary malignant brain cancers since 1985, and perhaps as early as 1984, according to the National Cancer Institute SEER data. This phenomenon occurred within 1-2 years following licensing of the chemical aspartame for beverages in July 1983. Furthermore, the annual incidence rates of primary brain tumors appear to be increasing. The SEER data also reveal an increased incidence of primary brain lymphoma in 1982- 1984. Others have reported a tripling of the incidence of this condition, previously rare. Again, the licensing of aspartame for “dry” use in July 1981 is relevant. The significance of these associations is underscored by the high incidence of brain tumors in rats after the experimental administration of aspartame.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists and a Public Board of Inquiry (PBOI) strongly recommended delay in licensure pending further investigation, including repetition of the animal studies, to clarify this matter. To the author’s knowledge, these have not been reported.
Aspartame containing products are now being consumed by an estimated 200 million persons in over 4,000 products. These data, coupled with an unacceptably large number of aspartame-related seizures reported to the FDA and the writer, appear to warrant an “imminent public health hazard” designation for such products.