In this presentation, Harvard University obesity expert Dr. George Blackburn reviews the body of evidence related to the impact of low-calorie sweeteners on appetite, hunger and food intake and their role as a ‘small step’ that can help consumers maintain weight loss and a achieve a balanced lifelong eating plan.

In this presentation, toxicologist Bernadene Magnuson, PhD, presents the major findings from a 2007 expert panel review evaluating the safety of aspartame. The presentation includes a review of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of aspartame (including the effect of aspartame on blood formaldehyde and formic acid levels); how Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels for food additives are established; evaluation of current US intakes of aspartame and the contribution of amino acids and methanol components of aspartame to the diet relative to other food sources; and reviews the panels’ findings regarding aspartame and allergic reactions and neurotoxicity issues like headaches, behavior and cognitive function.