It is not clear if aspartame helps people lose weight, as it may also increase appetite and affect a person’s metabolism. Aspartame may also have other negative health effects and be unsafe for some people.Aspartame is an artificial sweetener and a popular sugar substitute. It is present in low-calorie food and drinks and some medications.It is available in the United States under the brand names Nutrasweet and Equal and is an ingredient in many soft drinks and food items.Despite its extensive use and popularity, aspartame has become a source of controversy in recent years, with several studies claiming the sweetener has adverse health effects.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame for use in food and drink in 1981. According to the FDA, over 100 studies have shown aspartame to be safe for most people.Agencies in Europe, Canada, and many other countries also approve its use, including:•European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)•Health Canada•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations•World Health Organization (WHO)See full list on medicalnewstoday.comEffects on body weightAspartame contains 4 calories per gram (g), which is a similar amount to sugar, but aspartame is around 200 times sweeter than sugar. This means that only a tiny amount of aspartame is necessary to sweeten foods and drinks. For this reason, people often use it in weight loss diets. However, a 2017 review of studies found no evidence that the low-calorie sweeteners aspartame, sucralose, and stevioside were effective for weight management. Studies in the review monitored participants over several years. Researchers found a link between increased body weight and waist circumference and a regular intake of these sweeteners. Participants in some studies in the review showed an increased body weight. The 2017 review also found evidence that suggested those who consume sweeteners regularly might be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.Effects on appetiteSome research suggests that aspartame may affect body weight by increasing people’s appetite, which can lead to greater food consumption. For example, a 2015 animal study found that aspartame increased appetite in rats. The review suggested that sweeteners may raise appetite by disrupting the signaling process that usually occurs when a person eats foods with more calories. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame provide sweetness without providing the body with energy, and this effect on the body may stimulate appetite. Sweet tastes typically signal to the body that food is entering the gut. The body then expects to receive calories and signals when eating should stop by making a person feel full or satiated. A person experiences the same sweet taste when they consume sweeteners, but the body receives fewer calories than it might otherwise expect. If this happens regularly, according to the theory, the body unlearns the association between sweet tastes and calories. This reversal means that high-calorie foods will no longer trigger feelings of fullness. This can lead to overeating. Certain amino acids in aspartame, such as phenylalanine, may also have an effect on appetite. Other research does not support these findings, though. A 2018 study looked at aspartame intake in 100 lean adults with a BMI of between 18 and 25 who were between the ages of 18 and 60 years. Researchers found that aspartame intake over the course of 12 weeks had no negative effects on appetite, body weight, or blood sugar management. Further research on human participants might lead to a better understanding of the link between aspartame consumption and appetite control.Effects on metabolismA 2015 study found that high levels of aspartame may cause other changes in the body, such as changes in serum and oxidative stress markers, and can lead to type 2 diabetes in rats. A later review from 2016 further discussed the link between low-calorie sweeteners and metabolic disease. It suggested that regular, long-term intake of sweeteners may disrupt the balance and diversity of bacteria living within the gut. Animal studies show that this type of disruption can result in glucose intolerance, which is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Another study from 2016 investigated the effects of certain sugars and sweeteners on people’s glucose tolerance. Researchers found a link between aspartame use and greater glucose intolerance among those with obesity. None of the sugars and sweeteners in the study had any negative effect on people with a healthy weight, though. These studies suggest that regular intake of aspartame could increase the risk of glucose intolerance, particularly in people who may already be overweight.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comShort-term effectsA 2019 study looked at the short-term effects of aspartame on the blood and biochemical measurements in female Swiss albino mice over the course of 30 days. The study found that consuming aspartame was harmful to the mice and produced negative effects relating to the blood and biochemical measurements. Researchers need further evidence and human studies to support these findings.Long-term effectsThere have been some concerns about the effects of aspartame on the central and peripheral nervous systems. A 2016 study looked at the long-term effects of aspartame on the sciatic nerve in 30 adult male albino rats. Researchers gave one group of rats a dosage of aspartame equivalent to the ADI for humans of 40–50 mg/kg per day for 3 months. The study found that long-term dosage of aspartame was harmful to the structure of the sciatic nerve, and stopping any intake of aspartame for a month did not lead to complete recovery. Human studies may help scientists find out more about the effects of aspartame on nerve structure and function.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comSome research suggests that aspartame increases the risk of:•certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia, urinary tract tumors, and neurological tumors•type 2 diabetes•preterm delivery•toxicity in the kidneys•toxic liver diseaseSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comThere appears to be no scientific evidence that aspartame poisoning is a risk. If people have a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), high levels of aspartame may be toxic for them. This is because aspartame contains an amino acid called phenylalanine. People with phenylketonuria have a rare genetic disorder that means they cannot break down phenylalanine properly. If too much phenylalanine accumulates in people with PKU, it can be toxic to the brain and cause intellectual disability.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comPhenylketonuriaPhenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder that increases levels of the essential amino acid known as phenylalanine in the blood. People with PKU are unable to metabolize phenylalanine properly, so they will need to avoid or limit their intake of it. Phenylalanine is one of two amino acids that make up aspartame. Aspartame provides significantly lower amounts of phenylalanine than everyday food sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. People with PKU need to monitor all dietary sources of phenylalanine to avoid toxic levels. As a result, all products containing phenylalanine in the U.S. carry a label.Tardive dyskinesiaTardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder that causes sudden, uncontrollable jerking movements of the face and body. According to a 2017 review, TD most often results from long-term use of antipsychotic medications. The review notes that some evidence suggests a link between a build-up of phenylalanine in the body and TD.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comMany foods and drinks that carry the label “sugar-free” may contain some form of artificial sweetener.The following could contain aspartame:•diet soda•low-sugar juices•flavored water•low-fat yogurtSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comThose wishing to limit their intake of aspartame may want to try an alternative natural sweetener, such as:•honey•maple syrup•agave nectar•stevia leaves•molassesSee full list on medicalnewstoday.comThere is still much controversy surrounding the safety of aspartame, despite approval from authorities around the world.Some evidence suggests aspartame may have a negative impact on health, such as weight management, and potential risk for preterm delivery and specific cancers. Researchers require further studies in humans to support these findings.For those with obesity, regular consumption of low-calorie sweeteners may increase the risk of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. People with certain conditions, such as PKU or TD, may need to avoid aspartame.Organizations such as the FDA have approved aspartame as safe for human consumption within a certain daily limit.See full list on medicalnewstoday.comJul 14, 2023 · “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.” · Discover the truth about E951 (aspartame) in nutrition, including its health concerns, uses in diets, and alternatives. Learn how E951 impacts your health and make informed choices. · It has not been conclusively linked with any serious sideeffects or health problems, but people with certain conditions should be careful when ingesting it. · In July 2023, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)” based on limited human evidence (mainly liver cancer signals from observational studies). What is E951 & how does it affect our diet?Let's delve into what E951 really is and how it impacts our diets. What is E951? E951 is the European food additive code for aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener used in a variety of food and beverage products. Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.Is E951 safe?While E951, or aspartame, remains a controversial topic in the world of nutrition, it ultimately comes down to personal choice and moderation. Being aware of the potential risks and benefits of E951 can help individuals make informed decisions about their dietary choices.Is aspartame (E951) vegan?Yes, it is vegan as the raw materials and the manufacturing process without the use of animal matter or products made from animal origin. Now you may have a knowledge of the artificial sweetener – Aspartame (E951), from the following aspects: Production process from a manufacturer. · However, this artificial sweetener is the most controversial high-intensity sweetener in recent years due to its possible sideeffects, although approved safely by the FDA, EFSA, JECFA and other authorities. · Discover the truth about E951 (aspartame) in nutrition, including its health concerns, uses in diets, and alternatives. Learn how E951 impacts your health and make informed choices. · It has not been conclusively linked with any serious sideeffects or health problems, but people with certain conditions should be careful when ingesting it. · However, this artificial sweetener is the most controversial high-intensity sweetener in recent years due to its possible sideeffects, although approved safely by the FDA, EFSA, JECFA and other authorities. · In July 2023, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)” based on limited human evidence (mainly liver cancer signals from observational studies). However, since its approval by the main food safety agencies, several concerns have been raised related to neuropsychiatric effects and neurotoxicity due to its ability to activate glutamate receptors, as well as carcinogenic risks due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species. · “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.”
