Campaigner horrified by aspartame products

VETERAN United States anti-aspartame campaigner Betty Martini claims to have seen people "cured" of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other chronic conditions, simply by stopping using artificial sweeteners.

This feisty redheaded Southern belle, in New Zealand this week preaching the anti-aspartame message, may bear a passing resemblance to recently-deceased American televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker - but she's not touting any "miracle cures".

Her mission is to rid the world of artificial sweeteners, which she claims are responsible for a host of deadly health problems.

She was "horrified" to walk into a Wellington grocery store and count the number of sugar-free products crowding the shelves.

"This stuff is a deadly poison.

"I've seen epileptics stop suffering seizures when they stop drinking diet sodas, and people with multiple sclerosis get out of their wheelchairs."

She is joined on her crusade by Wellington woman Abigail Cormack, who says her crippling muscle cramps, heart palpitations and anxiety attacks stopped as soon as she gave up her four-pack a day chewing-gum habit.

The previously fit and healthy 25-year-old e-mailed Mrs Martini in desperation about six months ago after reading about aspartame poisoning on the Internet.

Mrs Martini launched her anti-aspartame campaign, Mission Possible International, 15 years ago, after a friend was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and sought help from renowned anti-aspartame physician, Dr H J Roberts. The campaign is now established in 50 states and 38 countries internationally - but numerous bids to have artificial sweeteners banned have so far failed.

Aspartame, marketed under various brands, is contained in more than 6000 foods and beverages, including confectionery, icecream, sodas, sports drinks and even toothpaste.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority deputy chief executive Sandra Daly said the authority had found no scientific basis for claims the product was unsafe.

The only people for whom it is a proven danger are those with the rare inherited disease phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mrs Martini will address a public meeting at Wellington Public Library's mezzanine meeting room tomorrow at 6pm.