Overlooked Aspartame-Induced Hypertension, Southern Medical Journal, Volume 101, Number, September 2008, H. J. Roberts, M.D.

[Guest guest]

Overlooked Aspartame-Induced Hypertension

 

To the Editor: As a constructive comment on the excellent article by

Trewet, C. L. and Ernst, 1 on " resistant hypertension " , allow me to

mention an important factor contributing to hypertension that

continues to be overlooked: " diet " products containing aspartame

which are being consumed by an estimated two-thirds of the population.

 

I reported earlier on hypertension in 64 aspartame reactors who were

not known to have had an elevated blood pressure prior to using this

chemical. 2 Its severity was impressive - e.g., a registered nurse

with readings as high as 280/160. The blood pressure in another

nurse rose to 240/150. Several patients were studies to rule out

pheochromocytoma. The causative role of aspartame products was

indicted by 1) the striking improvement or normalization of blood

pressure after stopping aspartame, and 1) the prompt recurrence of

hypertension following aspartame resumption.

 

The association of hypertension with the consumption of cola

beverages (Diet Coke ) has been confirmed by Winkelmayer et al in

a large prospective study of female nurses - but NOT with caffeine

consumption. They speculated that " perhaps some other compound

contained in soda-type soft drinks .... may be responsible for the

increased risk of hypertension. "

 

I have reviewed the likely pharmacologic basis, especially the

conversion of phenylalanine (comprising half of the aspartame

molecule) to dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine ... all

pressor substances.2 Other aspartame reactors have evidenced

peripheral vasomotor features (including the Raynaud phenomenon,

2 and probable pulmonary hypertension. 4

 

At the very least, persons with hypertension that resist conventional

therapy ought to avoid aspartame products.

 

H. J. Roberts, MD, FACP, FCCP

Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research, Inc.

West Palm Beach, Florida

 

References

 

1. Trewet CL, Ernest ME. Resistant hypertension; identifying causes

and optimizing treatment regimens. South Med J 2008; 101-166-173

2. Robert HJ Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic West Palm

Beach, Sunshine Sentinel Press, 2001

3. Winkelmayer WC, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, et al. Habitual

caffeine intake and the risk of hypertension in women JAMA

2005;294: 2330-2335.

4. Roberts HJ Aspartame induced dyspnea and pulmonary

hypertension. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 2003: 54-55.

 

___________

 

More information on aspartame on www.mpwhi.com, www.dorway.com and www.wnho.net

Aspartame Toxicity Center, www.holisticmed.com/aspartame

 

Dr. Betty Martini, D.Hum, Founder

Mission Possible International

9270 River Club Parkway

Duluth, Georgia 30097

770 242-2599

 

Dr. H. J. Roberts can be seen in the aspartame documentary, Sweet

Misery: A Poisoned World, www.soundandfury.tv