LETTERS: STATEMENTS REGARDING ASPARTAME NOT FACTUAL, SAYS NUTRASWEET DOC

To the editor:

I am responding to a letter from Sandra Fann ("Health advantages of sugar can help with various ailments," Sept. 21). Fann makes the statement that "aspartame blocks serotonin and has been known to cause migraines." Neither of these statements is true.

While aspartame doesn't occur in nature, it is broken down by the body to three naturally occurring dietary elements. The body cannot distinguish whether the components came from aspartame or common foods. Aspartame is no more capable of blocking serotonin production than is any protein food.

Results of a controlled clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine do not support the contention that aspartame triggers migraines. The study included 40 individuals who were convinced that aspartame had caused their headaches. The subjects were given aspartame and a placebo. The results indicated no difference in headaches.

ROBERT H. MOSER, M.D.

Senior Medical Consultant

NutraSweet Co.

Deerfield, Ill.