Board Minutes 2/11/99
Purpose:
A 'brain-storming' session to determine what is known about phenylalanines.
I. Basics
Amino acid (essential) nutrient
A neural toxin at excessive concentrations
Nutrasweet is 50% phenylalanine
90-100 mg in 12 oz. soda
protein-rich foods have much more
II. methanol
also component of sweetener
heated above 86 degrees F
toxic
aspartic acid - excess kills brain cells
III. Who is it dangerous to
PKU
aspartame - aspartic acid
genetic condition - don't convert excess phenylalanine to other substances
1985-1996 Controversy - No problems to problems
Paper JAMA says normal people who use high levels of aspartame may have problems
Question? Does Aspartame in soft drinks cause short, mid, or long-term effects on users?
Results of Meeting:
As a research group, we need to:
1. Redefine question guiding the research topic
2. Determine credible sources of information
Next Meeting:
February 18, 1999
Goals for next meeting:
1. determine credible information from JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, and FDA
2. produce a list of Researchable questions
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