SAFE SWEETENER: The artificial food sweetener, aspartame, has been confirmed as a safe sweetener, following a review by the European Food Safety Authority.
The review was commissioned by the European Commission following reports that the sweetener was found to have a carcinogenic effect in rats at doses equivalent to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established for human consumption. Safefood Ireland has added that there is no sound scientific evidence to corroborate reports by individuals claiming to have experienced an adverse reaction following the consumption of foods containing aspartame.
UNDERSTANDING IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects up to one in five Irish people. Later this month, Cork University Hospital will host an open day for IBS patients and their families aimed at improving understanding of the condition.
The event will be chaired by Prof Eamonn Quigley, professor of medicine and human physiology at University College Cork (UCC) and consultant gastroenterologist at CUH. One of the more promising lines of therapy for IBS is the use of probiotics. Prof Quigley will outline the results of a study of the use of bifidobacteria in treating symptoms. The main feature of IBS is abdominal pain and discomfort, associated with alterations in bowel pattern, which can be either diarrhoea or constipation but the majority of patients alternate between one and the other.
The open day takes place from 2.30pm-4.30pm on Saturday, May 27th at the main lecture theatre at Cork University Hospital. Admission is free. For further information, tel: 021 4902371.
NO TO AGEISM: Age discrimination is the most common form of discrimination experienced, according to a recent survey. Discrimination at work and in accessing goods and services were the areas people felt most discriminated against. The Equality Authority, the National Council on Ageing and Older People and the Health Service Executive have declared May 15th-19th as Say No to Ageism week. Locall: 1890 245 545 or see www.equality.ie for more details.
COUNT YOUR STEPS: In an effort to encourage people to get active as summer approaches, Kellogg's has launched a Count the Steps To Feeling Great pedometer promotion with the Irish Sports Council. The promotion will highlight the importance of taking a few extra steps to a healthier more active lifestyle, with pedometers being given away by collecting tokens on Kellogg's All-Bran products or registering online at www.kelloggs.ie
sthompson@irish-times.ie