Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is used in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including diet soda, yogurt, gum, and candy.
What is aspartame?
Aspartame is made of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. These amino acids are naturally occurring in foods, and they are also produced by the body. Aspartame is created when these two amino acids are linked together.
How is aspartame used?
Aspartame is used in a wide variety of foods and beverages because it is very sweet and has few calories. It is also heat stable, so it can be used in cooking and baking.
Some of the most common foods and beverages that contain aspartame include:
- Diet soda
- Yogurt
- Gum
- Candy
- Pudding
- Cereal
- Baked goods
Is aspartame safe?
Aspartame has been extensively studied, and it is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some people who are sensitive to aspartame and may experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The controversy over aspartame
Aspartame has been the subject of controversy since it was first introduced in the 1970s. Some people have claimed that aspartame is harmful to health, and they have linked it to a variety of health problems, including cancer, brain tumors, and seizures.
However, these claims have not been supported by scientific evidence. In fact, multiple studies have shown that aspartame is safe for most people.
Aspartame in Diet Coke
Diet Coke is one of the most popular diet sodas in the world. Diet Coke contains aspartame as its primary sweetener. Aspartame provides the sweetness of Diet Coke without the calories of sugar.
Diet Coke has been the subject of some controversy over the years, but it is generally considered safe for most people. However, if you are sensitive to aspartame, you may want to avoid Diet Coke.
The bottom line
Aspartame is a safe sweetener for most people. However, if you are sensitive to aspartame, you may experience side effects. If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, talk to your doctor.
Here are some additional information about aspartame:
- The acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame is 40 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person could safely consume up to 2,400 mg of aspartame per day.
- Aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. Methanol is a type of alcohol, but it is not harmful in the amounts that are found in aspartame.
- Aspartame is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down phenylalanine.
Conclusion
Aspartame is a safe sweetener for most people. However, if you are sensitive to aspartame, you may experience side effects. If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, talk to your doctor.
Additional information
- The FDA has approved aspartame for use in food and beverages.
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also approved aspartame for use in food and beverages.
- Aspartame has been the subject of over 100 studies, and no consistent evidence of harm has been found.
- Aspartame is not linked to cancer, brain tumors, or seizures.
- Aspartame is safe for people with PKU, as long as they are careful to control their intake of phenylalanine.
If you have any concerns about aspartame, talk to your doctor.
