Susie points out the difference in this new study on aspartame (Nutrasweet), in case you wrote it off.

In the previous studies which have “cleared” the sugar substitute (the ones the FDA use), lab rats who consumed it regularly were killed after two years. The newest study allowed the rats to live out their natural life span, and that’s when the high likelihood of cancer showed up.

The highest risk is to children who are allowed to drink diet soda.

Keep in mind, the original studies that were used to approve aspartame did not research the effects on children. At the time, they estimated there would be one daily exposure to aspartame. (Having Don Rumsfeld as the head of the pharmaceutical company seeking approval didn’t hurt the approval process, I’m sure.)

Since its approval, aspartame use has boomed. It’s used in chewing gum, toothpaste, many low-calorie snacks for which you’d have to read the fine print, and of course a gazillion diet “Light” beverages.

I don’t eat things made from petroleum byproducts. And I suspect I’ll live another fifty-something years.