The combination of these two amino acids produces an intensely sweet-tasting substance.
Hence, the term nonnutritive.
Aspartame is widely used in various foods and beverages marketed as diet or sugar-free.
BigRedCurlyGuy / Getty Imahes
This article delves into the safety concerns, special considerations, and potential side effects of aspartame.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
However, the FDA disagreed with IARCs conclusion that aspartame is a possible carcinogen.
However, in the United States, the ADI is higher at 50 mg/kg body weight.
Given these mixed findings, the benefits and dangers of aspartame remain controversial.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuriaoccurs when the body cannot effectively break down phenylalanine.
Because aspartame contains the natural amino acid phenylalanine, people with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame.
In addition, it has not been found in breast milk.
Listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider if you suspect you may be sensitive to aspartame.
You should avoid aspartame if you have certain medical conditions, such as phenylketonuria.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Aspartame and other sweeteners in food.
National Cancer Institute.Artificial sweeteners and cancer.
2020;12(11):3408.
Published 2020 Nov 6. doi:10.3390/nu12113408
Landrigan PJ, Straif K.Aspartame and cancer - new evidence for causation.Environ Health.
2021;20(1):42.
Published 2021 Apr 12. doi:10.1186/s12940-021-00725-y
MedlinePlus.Phenylketonuria.
Lean ME, Hankey CR.Aspartame and its effects on health.BMJ.
2017;189(28):E929-E939.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.161390
Palatnik A, Moosreiner A, Olivier-Van Stichelen S.Consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners during pregnancy.Am J Obstet Gynecol.
A double blind randomised crossover study[published correction appears in PLoS One.
2015;10(5):e0126039].PLoS One.
2015;10(3):e0116212.
Published 2015 Mar 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116212
