BIO Mary Nash Stoddard on Twitter

PRESENTING: MARY NASH STODDARD - Co-Founder of the massive international anti-aspartame movement in the mid 1980's, following the brain tumor death of her forty two year old husband, Mike. Ms. Stoddard suffered a life threatening aspartame-related blood disorder in 1985, whereupon, The NutraSweet Co. offered her an all-expense paid vacation for two anywhere in the world, if she would agree to be tested by their doctors. She declined, with the blessing of her doctor, and the rest is history. She has conducted multi-national lecture tours and is a popular visiting professor at colleges, universities and medical schools. "Deadly Deception - Story of Aspartame" is a toxicology sourcebook, edited by Ms. Stoddard, documenting the harmful effects of the world's most toxic artificial sweetener. The companion one hour "Deadly Deception" video is further documentation - taped at a prestigious scientific conference. Stoddard's efforts, over more than two decades, led to the present rejection of the sweetener by many of the food and beverage giants of industry, as they rush to distance themselves from the liabilities associated with use of a neuro-toxic substance in their products. She has testified in court as an Expert Medical Witness and like her counterpart, Erin Brokovitch, helped with a number of lawsuits on behalf of consumers. Her powerful message has reached millions around the world through the airwaves on radio and television, in print and through popular personal appearances. Honors, Awards, Societies: • Expert Medical Witness [1992-present] * Guest Presenter Gulf War Veterans Annual Conference - [Las Vegas 1999] * Visiting Professor: U. T. Southwestern Medical School [1997] * Visiting Professor: American University School of Journalism [1999] * Visiting Professor: University of North Texas at Denton Dept. of Science [1990 and 2005] • Visiting Professor: University of Houston Bioneers Conference [2006] * Invited speaker: Hebrew Univ. Jerusalem - [1997] * Keynote speech: Mexican Government's Annual Conference on Sweeteners [1999] * Appointed Judge - State of Texas [1977-1984] * Broadcast Journalist - [1965-present] * President's Council on Food Safety - [1998-1999] * International Lecture Tours - [1996-present] * Testimony Senate Committee Hearing on Safety of Aspartame - Washington [1987] * Panelist at National News Conference Announcing Dr. John Olney's Brain Tumor/Aspartame Connection - Washington D.C. [1998] * Inducted Member Texas Radio Hall of Fame [2002-present] Representative of the Texas Rice Growers Association [Miss Rice] Board member: Irving Symphony Orchestra Board Member: Irving Community Theater Founding Board Member Radio Station KNON [public radio], Dallas Charter member City of Dallas Citizens Safety Committee Board Member Dallas Mayor’s Fee Task Force Vice President Operation Get Involved, [liaison committee of the D.P.D.] Board member Dallas Homeowners League President Save Open Space Texas Steering Committee Presidential Election Award for Public Service - Mexican Government State of Texas Board of Adjustment

Friday, May 18, 2012


Food Q&A: Just what is ‘natural’ flavoring?
Every week, ‘Today’ food editor Phil Lempert responds to your questions about ingredients, cooking and shopping

By Phil Lempert
"Today" Food Editor
updated 4/7/2004 9:07:39 AM ET
-
Q: Could you tell me the latest about "natural flavor," which now seems to be not just in savories, such as soups and salad dressings, but in everything from unsalted butter to organic yogurt? My understanding is that it is a sludge of beef byproduct, high in free glutamic acid, a cousin to MSG, and that it adds flavor — and perhaps a bit of a mad cow — to everything we eat.  I avoid it like the plague, but it's getting harder and harder.  Is it legal in organic products? Many thanks. 
— Mary R Burlington, NC

A: We’ve all heard of products being labeled “artificially flavored” or “naturally flavored,” but I’m glad you are  curious as to what exactly “natural flavor” means, because even with all the regulations and new organic certifications it’s a confusing and misleading mess!
The definition of natural flavor under the Code of Federal Regulations is: “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional” (21CFR101.22).

Certainly a mouthful!
In other words, it could include beef by-products, but not necessarily.
Any other added flavor therefore is artificial. (For the record, any monosodium glutamate, or MSG, used to flavor food must be declared on the label as such). Both artificial and natural flavors are made by “flavorists” in a laboratory by blending either “natural” chemicals or “synthetic” chemicals to create flavorings.

Gary Reineccius, a professor in the department of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, says that  the distinction between natural and artificial flavorings is based on the source of these often identical chemicals. In fact, he says, “artificial flavorings are simpler in composition and potentially safer because only safety-tested components are utilized.

“Another difference,” says Reineccius, “is cost. The search for natural sources of chemicals often requires that a manufacturer go to great lengths to obtain a given chemical…. This natural chemical is identical to the version made in an organic chemist’s laboratory, yet it is much more expensive than the synthetic alternative.”
End result: We shoppers wind up paying the price for natural flavorings, and according to Reineccius, these are in fact no better in quality, nor are they safer, than their cost-effective artificial counterparts.

So what about the flavorings used in organic foods? Foods certified by the National Organic Program (NOP) must be grown and processed using organic farming methods without synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Organic livestock cannot be fed antibiotics or growth hormones. The term "organic" is not synonymous with "natural." 

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) defines “natural” as “a product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural.” Most foods labeled natural, including its flavorings, are not subject to government controls beyond the regulations and heath codes.

The NOP food labeling standards (effective October of 2002) include a National List of Allowed Synthetic and Prohibited Substances. This list has a section on allowed non-synthetic substances, some with restrictions (205.605(a)) for products labeled “organic” or “made with organic ingredients.” Four categories of organic labels were approved by the USDA, based on the percentage of organic content: 100% Organic, Organic, Made with Organic Ingredients, and Less than 70% Organic. Natural flavors, then, can be considered NOP compliant as “organic” when used under the 95% rule (flavorings constitute 5% or less of total ingredients and meet that meet the appropriate requirements) if their organic counterparts are not available. “Made with organic ingredients” can be used on any product with at least 70% organically produced ingredients.”

According to the National List, under section 7CFR205.605(a)(9), non-agricultural, non-organic substances are allowed as ingredients that can be labeled as “organic” or “made with organic,” including “flavors, non-synthetic sources only, and must not be produced using synthetic solvents and carrier systems or any artificial preservative.” Other non-synthetic ingredients allowed in this section include: acids such as microbiologically-produced citric acid, dairy cultures, certain enzymes and non-synthetic yeast that is not grown on petrochemical substrates and sulfite waste liquor.

So, the bottom line is that you have to read those labels carefully. “Natural” might not be so natural, and that even some organic foods might contain some of these “natural flavors.” There are still many grey areas for consumers and producers alike.

Research is being done and attempts are being made to produce more organic flavorings, but the process is slow. We as consumers need to be more aware of what ingredients go into our foods and also demand that the government sticks to its responsibility to regulate these ingredients and make sure that the information is disclosed on EVERY label.
###

Phil Lempert is Food Editor of the “Today” show. You can also visit his website at www.supermarketguru.com.

submitted by Mary Nash Stoddard/author Deadly Deception Story of Aspartame

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

ASPARTAME APPROVED VIA ILLEGAL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO FDA FOR APPROVAL IN 1981 - Drug Company later lost 9 mil Law Suit for Falsifying Lab Tests


Deadly Diet Soda, the truth about Aspartame  



During the Gulf War, the military had pallets of Diet soda sitting out in the intense heat, this is how they discovered that Aspartame turns to formaldehyde at temperatures that exceed 86 degrees. My advice would be to not consume any product that contain any artificial sweetener due to the fact that they are changing the name because of public awareness.
Facts They Don't want you to know about Artificial Sweeteners
Food Safety Expert / Author, Mary Nash Stoddard In the original lab tests, ASPARTAMEcaused 4 kinds of tumors: Brain Tumors / Breast Tumors / Pancreatic Tumors / Uterine Tumors.
Results of these tests were criminally falsified - then submitted to FDA! When the temperature of Aspartame exceeds 86 degrees Fahrenheit [body temperature is: 98.6], the 10% methanol [wood alcohol] in ASPARTAME [aka NutraSweet/Equal] converts to formaldehyde [embalming fluid] and then to formic acid [toxin found in ant sting venom].
Aspartame may be the unidentified environmental trigger for: Brain Tumors - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Lyme Disease - PMS - Migraine - Mild to Severe Depression - Carpal Tunnel - Arthritis - Meniere's - MS [Multiple Sclerosis] - Epilepsy - Anxiety/Phobia Disorders - Alzheimer's - ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease - Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome [EMS] - Graves Disease - Tinnitus - Fibromyalgia - Stroke - Heart Disease - Lupus - Mental Illness - Attention Deficit Disorder - other "Difficult-to-Diagnose" Diseases.
Aspartame poisoning can trigger the following: Chronic Fatigue; Lupus; Graves Disease; Alzheimer's; Fibromyalgia; Multiple Sclerosis; Heart Attacks; Brain Tumors; Pancreatic Cancer; Breast Cancer; Uterine Cancers; and Mental Disorders.
Three Senate Hearings have been conducted on the safety of aspartame - yet no official action has been taken by our government. Aspartame Consumer Safety Network's Mary Nash Stoddard, representing a constituency of over 10,000 individuals worldwide has provided formal testimony at the Senate Hearing in 1987 and has on numerous occasions since then, registered formal objections both in writing and in person to the FDA; FAA; EPA; USDA; Presidents Bush and Clinton; Secretary of Defense Cohen and various members of Congress. James Bowen, M.D., outspoken anti-aspartame advocate had his license to practice medicine revoked in eight states because medical boards found not that he had "harmed" a patient, but that he was "delusional" about aspartame's adverse effects. Dr. Bowen [appeared on CBS Evening News with Dan Rather in 1984 talking about his case of Lou Gehrig's Disease which he reversed by getting off aspartame].
Dr. Bowen states, "Aspartame's adverse effects have to be non-specific, affecting virtually every organ of the body. Otherwise, it [aspartame] would have been off the market within the first two years!"
When ACSN's founder, Food Safety Expert, Mary Nash Stoddard met with FDA and FAA officials in Washington [87-88] they claimed their hands were tied.
They were unwilling to undo the wrongs [including criminal actions taken on the part of those submitting aspartame for approval] that had been committed in allowing aspartame to remain illegally on the market. The Supreme Court refused to hear the petition regarding aspartame's illegal entry into the marketplace - filed in Washington D.C. by Consumer Attorney and ACSN co-founder, James Turner, Esq. Does MONSANTO have a "gatekeeper" on the U.S. Supreme Court in the form of former Monsanto attorney, Judge Clarence Thomas?
Law suits have been settled out of court. In 1992, G.D. Searle [wholly-owned subsidiary of Monsanto Chemical, St. Louis, MO since 1985] lost their exclusive patent on the pharmaceutical sweetener and now there are over 10,000 products containing aspartame as both active and inactive ingredient. [It is not always listed clearly on the ingredient label.] Diketopiperazine [DKP], a known brain tumor agent, is a breakdown product of aspartame.
Dr. John Olney of Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, shows a 10% rise in the two specific forms of brain tumors that showed up in lab tests: Astrocytomas and Glioblastomas [glio cell tumors], since aspartame came onto the market in the early eighty's. Formaldehyde [embalming fluid], a breakdown product of methanol [wood alcohol] in aspartame is found on the EPA's list of hazardous chemicals. Phenylalanine [50% of molecule] in aspartame can change the chemistry of the brain and lower the seizure threshold, according to studies done by Dr. Richard Wurtman, head of brain science at MIT. Phenylalanine also blocks production of a neurotransmitter - serotonin, which may result in mood swings; sleep disorders; mild to suicidal depressions and aberrant behaviors in some. Prozac and L-Tryptophan both increase serotonin levels.
A newsletter published by the Association of Birth Defect Children, shows Phenylalanine in aspartame can be responsible for both mild and severe birth defects - including permanent neurological damage. Aspartic Acid [40% of the molecule] in aspartame can change DNA, caused holes in the brains of lab animals and is classified as a neuroexcitatory amino acid.
Aspartame can sabotage weight loss attempts. Many report a paradoxical weight gain while using the products sweetened by aspartame. A study done at Leeds University in the U.K. showed weight gains by the men in the study on aspartame. Physicians and researchers know what damage may be caused by ingesting wood alcohol. Two teaspoons have been know to cause death.
[Every 12-oz can of diet soda which contains 200 mg. of aspartame may contain as much as 20 mg. of methanol.] The effect of methanol on the eye, liver, pancreas and other organs of the body are well documented in the scientific literature. In nature, ethanol, methanol's antidote is always present to neutralize the toxin. There is no ethanol in aspartame for protection. Aspartame can be especially hazardous to anyone with a preexisting medical condition such as diabetes.
Manufacturers of aspartame and makers of the thousands of products which contain the fake sweetener, generously fund in various ways, the following so-called independent organizations: American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, members of Congress, prestigious medical schools and others. [The New York Times - 11/15/96 - reported the American Dietetic Association takes money from the food industry to endorse their products].
These books/videos are available by calling 1-800-969-6050 [Aspartame Consumer Safety Network's Book Order Department]: ** "EXCITOTOXINS: THE TASTE THAT KILLS" by Neurologist, Russell Blaylock, M.D. ** "ASPARTAME [NUTRASWEET] - IS IT SAFE?" by H.J. Roberts, M.D. ** "DEADLY DECEPTION - STORY OF ASPARTAME" [Toxicology Sourcebook] by Epidemiologist, Mary Nash Stoddard, Founder of the world's massive anti-aspartame movement. ** "THE ASPARTAME CONSPIRACY", [VIDEO LECTURE at an international Science Symposium]. ACSN's ANTI-ASPARTAME ACTION AGENDA: ** Take everything back to the store you may now have in your possession that contains aspartame!
** Print/Email as many copies of this article as you can. Distribute and warn everyone you know. Send it out to the rest of the world by email / fax / mail. About the author of this article: Mary Nash Stoddard earned international recognition through public appearances and interviews in media as a pioneer of the burgeoning worldwide anti-aspartame movement.
As Aspartame Consumer Safety Network's founder and spokesperson for over two and a half decades, she is acclaimed for her high profile stand against any unwarranted pollution of our food supply by irresponsible food and drug manufacturing practices. Stoddard defends her position with dozens of articles from peer-reviewed medical journals and over 10,000 adverse reactions to the artificial sugar sweetener in her files.
Retained frequently by media as an articulate Consumer Advocate and resource for numerous stories on national and international TV, Stoddard also provided eye opening testimony at Senate Hearings in Washington. Her important "Sixty Minutes" segments aired in both the U.S. and Australia. Stoddard's book, Deadly Deception - The Story of Aspartame, is acclaimed globally as an invaluable resource. Certified Expert Witness on the subject of the dangerous food additive, aspartame and popular consultant to doctors, scientists, attorneys, airline pilots and health care professionals, Stoddard is often referred to as pilot's "Guardian Angel" for work done on their behalf
ASPARTAME CONSUMER SAFETY NETWORK 
Email: marystod@airmail.net


Air Systems Medical Supplies   Deadly Diet Soda

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Peer Reviewed Journal Pub. Aspartame Study Showing Damage To Organs From Formaldehyde Breakdown Product of APM

ASPARTAME EFFECTS CAN ACCUMULATE IN BODY OF HUMANS

Life Sci. 1998;63(5):337-49.

Formaldehyde derived from dietary aspartame binds to tissue components in vivo.

Source

Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

Adult male rats were given an oral dose of 10 mg/kg aspartame 14C-labelled in the methanol carbon. At timed intervals of up to 6 hours, the radioactivity in plasma and several organs was investigated. Most of the radioactivity found (98% in plasma, 75% in liver) was bound to protein. Label present in liver, plasma and kidney was in the range of 1-2% of total radioactivity administered per g or mL, changing little with time. Other organs (brown and white adipose tissues, muscle, brain, cornea and retina) contained levels of label in the range of 1/12 to 1/10th of that of liver. In all, the rat retained, 6 hours after administration about 5% of the label, half of it in the liver. The specific radioactivity of tissue protein, RNA and DNA was quite uniform. The protein label was concentrated in amino acids, different from methionine, and largely coincident with the result of protein exposure to labelled formaldehyde. DNA radioactivity was essentially in a single different adduct base, different from the normal bases present in DNA. The nature of the tissue label accumulated was, thus, a direct consequence of formaldehyde binding to tissue structures. The administration of labelled aspartame to a group of cirrhotic rats resulted in comparable label retention by tissue components, which suggests that liver function (or its defect) has little effect on formaldehyde formation from aspartame and binding to biological components. The chronic treatment of a series of rats with 200 mg/kg of non-labelled aspartame during 10 days resulted in the accumulation of even more label when given the radioactive bolus, suggesting that the amount of formaldehyde adducts coming from aspartame in tissue proteins and nucleic acids may be cumulative. It is concluded that aspartame consumption may constitute a hazard because of its contribution to the formation of formaldehyde adducts.
PMID:
 
9714421
 
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Monday, May 7, 2012

Secretary of Defense Correspondence Re: PILOTS & ASPARTAME (from Mary Nash Stoddard/author Deadly Deception Story of Aspartame)

Office Of The Under Secretary of Defense
3000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-3000

Department of Defense Acquisition and Technology
20 October 1997

Ms. Mary Nash Stoddard
Aspartame Consumer Safety Network
PO Box 780634
Dallas TX 75378

Dear Ms. Stoddard:

This letter responds to your letter of September 24, 1997, to the Secretary of Defense concerning the use of aspartame by pilots. The Department of Defense shares your concern for the safety of our aviation personnel.

Issues such as this are under continued review by medical specialists from our Armed Services. I have forwarded your letter to the Military Departments for their review and I have requested they provide me their analysis and recommendations for action.

Thank you for your concern. I appreciate you taking the time to provide this information.

Very truly yours,
Sherri W. Goodman
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
[Environmental Security]


Aspartame Consumer Safety Network and Pilot Hotline
P.O. Box 2001 - Frisco TX 75378


William S. Cohen, Secretary
Office of the Secretary [OSD]
Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington D.C. 20301-1000
703.695.5261 

September 23, 1997



Re:  USAF Official Stand Down - 9/26/97

Dear Secretary Cohen:

Thank you for the opportunity to share our findings and concerns with you regarding U.S. Military Pilots and those who work with them maintaining their planes and controlling military air traffic, etc. For the past decade [since 1987], I have maintained and operated a unique Pilot Hotline for the reporting of adverse reactions to their artificial sweetener, aspartame [aka NutraSweet/Equal.] During this time, I have been made increasingly aware of a risk factor to pilots that is capable of clouding their vision, fogging their brains and causing them to suffer grand mal seizures and vertigo in the cockpit while flying. I was first made cognizant of this situation when I gave testimony to the Senate in 1987. While there, F-16 pilot, Maj. Michael Collings took me aside and asked me to help pilots understand this substance that is capable of sabotaging their flying careers and possibly even taking their lives in the process. You see, Maj. Collings had experienced a grand mal seizure [just like the one my daughter had in 1985], from his sugarfree drink. When I met with Deputy Chief Flight Surgeon, Dr. Jon Jordan at the FAA in Washington in 1988, he expressed concerns, but told James Turner and me that there was nothing he could do to warn pilots against a danger the FDA refused to acknowledge. It was then I decided to start a hotline, with no funding, just to help pilots report anonymously, their adverse reactions. These reports have come in to me by the hundreds. Our warnings have been published in such notable publications as: USAF Flying Safety magazine [May and August issues, 1992], and Navy Physiology magazine earlier. Dozens of flying magazines around the world have published our warnings to the flying community. But, now it is time to republish those warnings.

An Air Force Stand Down, such as the one proposed for this Friday, September 26, will be completely futile, unless pilots are warned about the hidden dangers of using artificial sweeteners by a person, such as yourself, in a position of respect and authority. I understand this is something of a 'hot potato' issue - but, it's time for someone with true courage of convictions, to speak out and save lives. Many government officials have told us off the record they consider aspartame a high risk factor, and they do not use it themselves. But, they refuse to take that extra step and tell pilots in an official memo. Until that happens, lives will continue to be lost and planes and helicopters will continue to plunge to earth for no apparent reason.

In our files are case histories of pilots who have experienced grand mal seizures in the cockpit of commercial airliners. Yes, that is plural. It has happened on numerous occasions and we have the details in our files.

I have attached to this letter an article that was the featured cover story in Extraordinary Science magazine a year or so ago. Please notice the references to large numbers of flying magazines that have published warnings in the past.

Last Thursday, September 17, a top government official in Canada's Department of Transport, a former Air Force pilot himself, went on Canadian TV with me, warning pilots of the high risk factors associated with consuming aspartame and flying any aircraft. During the course of his five or so minutes interview he said, 'Whether it be operating a large commercial airline jet with passengers, doing lumber work with helicopters and everywhere in between, it's imperative pilots be made aware of aspartame products [including virtually all chewing gums - sugarfree or no], that could affect their performance.'

Secretary Cohen, I hope this week you will urgently issue an official 'Heads Up Alert' to military pilots, concerning their consumption of all products containing the artificial sweetener, aspartame.

Sincerely,

Mary Nash Stoddard, Founder
Aspartame Consumer Safety Network 
and Pilot Hotline [since 1987]

enclosures:
USAF Flying Safety magazine articles [2]
TESLA Society's Extraordinary Science magazine article

cc:
House Majority Leader, Congressman Dick Armey
James Turner Esq. - Washington D.C.



FLYING HIGH ON ASPARTAME (Atkins Monthly magazine)

Sunday, May 6, 2012

PILOTS and ASPARTAME (USAF/FAA/Department of Defense/Aspartame Pilot Hotline)

Pilots on Aspartame
Interview on WOR Radio NYC


Following from WOR Radio Dr. Robert Atkins Interview w/Mary Nash Stoddard:

 All right, let's start taking calls you're on WOR, let's talk to Herb on Long Island. 

Herb: Hello, Dr. Bob, I'd just like to relay a story about my daughter who just happened to be the first female jet pilot in the USAF. About five years ago, she came home on Thanksgiving weekend leave and she drank a lot of diet sodas. She had a bad spell here. A weak spell. But, when she got back to base,  she went through a medical, and they determined that she had  heart palpitations and arrhythmia.

Dr. Atkins : Were they alert to the possibility at this point in history, five years ago of diet sodas being the cause? Did they themselves think of diet sodas as the possible problem?

Herb: Yes. And, they determined that it might be the diet sodas and the artificial sweeteners.

Dr. Atkins: Mary, you should, take credit for that, I think. For giving that index of suspicion to everybody connected with caring for pilots that that is a possibility. 

Mary : That's wonderful. We have done a lot of work with the FAA. Off the record, they are with us. But, on the record they can't say anything.

Herb:  Also, in her group, in the Air Force, there were other pilots who were grounded because of heart problems. They discontinued using all their artificial sweeteners for one month and their flying status was restored to them. My daughter's retired now.

Dr. Atkins: Let's talk to Joy in New Jersey, Joy, you're on WOR.

Joy: Yes, good evening, Dr. Atkins and Ms. Stoddard. I experienced a severe problem with aspartame about ten years ago. I put it in my coffee. Within three minutes, I had such a headache I couldn't stand on my feet. I had palpitations and dizziness. I was deathly sick. I thought I was going to end up in the hospital. 
_____________

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Mary Nash Stoddard/author Deadly Deception Story of Aspartame Award from MEXICAN GOVERNMENT