A Free Self-Study Continuing Education Program for Dietetic Professionals

Expert Review of the Safety of Aspartame

Approved for 1.5 Level 2 CPE credit hours by the Commission on Dietetic Registration

Release Date: August 20, 2008

Active Through August 20, 2011

Program Overview:

In this program, noted toxicologist expert Dr. Bernadene Magnuson provides an overview of the findings of a 2007 expert panel review of the safety of aspartame. Topics include an assessment of current aspartame intake levels based on national dietary survey, the science related to common questions related to aspartame safety such as methanol and formaldehyde metabolism and the evidence related to aspartame intake and conditions ranging from cancer risk and headaches to learning problems in children.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this self-study learning module, health professionals will be able to:

• Communicate how, why and by whom a recent expert panel review evaluating the safety of aspartame was conducted and explain the major findings.
• Explain how Acceptable Daily Intake levels are established and discuss current use levels of aspartame, the contribution of amino acids and methanol from aspartame as related to other sources, and address common consumer concerns regarding intakes of aspartame and safety.
• Discuss the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of aspartame and address consumer concerns regarding how aspartame is handled by the body.

Instructions:

Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered: Simply follow the instructions below to earn 1.0 CPE credit hour following your successful completion of the CPE Quiz. When you finish you will be able to download your CPE certificate.

Step 1. Read the learning objectives for this CPE program as listed above.

Step 2. View the program materials, including the podcast presentation and accompanying handouts. You can view or download the handouts as a PDF through the links below. (To save, right-click on the link and choose "save target as.")

• Podcast Presentation (Requires WebEx Player)
  (To download, click on WebEx Player link above)
• Slide Handout (PDF)

Step 3. Complete the online CPE Quiz to ensure you have met the program objectives. After completing the quiz, you will receive your score and the correct answers. You'll also be given a link to download and print your CPE Certificate.

Step 4. For more information, view the bibliography and additional references.

Speaker Biography:

Bernadene Magnuson, PhD

Dr. Bernadene Magnuson was an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland, where she conducted research on food toxicology, diet and cancer prevention and teaches food science and food toxicology. She was the lead author of a recent expert review of the safety of aspartame published in the September 2007 issue of Critical Reviews of Toxicology. Dr. Magnuson has recently joined Cantox Health Sciences International as a Senior Scientific and Regulatory Consultant.

*This program is based on a webinar presented by Dr. Magnuson in December 2007.