Is Aspartame Bad for You?

July 12 2022

What is Aspartame?

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener. It is a popular substitute for sugar in low-calorie food and drinks. You’ve probably seen it listed in the ingredients on diet sodas either as aspartame, or under the brand names of Nutrasweet or Equal. It is also a component in some medications.

Is Aspartame Safe?

Despite its extensive use, the popular sugar substitute has come under fire with several recent studies claiming the sweetener has adverse health effects.

The FDA approved the use of aspartame for use in food and drinks in 1981. According to the FDA, over 100 studies have shown aspartame to be safe for most people. Agencies in Europe, Canada, and other countries also approve the use of aspartame.

The FDA has set the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Most people will not consume that much in one day.

What are the Side Effects of Aspartame?

Aspartame may have some of the following side effects:

Body Weight

While aspartame contains a similar amount of calories to sugar, it is around 200 times sweeter than sugar. This means only a small amount is used to sweeten food and drinks. It is this reason that you often see it used in low-cal options or in weight loss diets.

However, a recent study has shown that there is no evidence that low-calorie sweeteners, such as aspartame, are effective in weight management. In fact, researchers found a link between regular intake of low-cal sweeteners and increased body weight and waist circumference, as well as an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Appetite

Some research suggests that the increase in body weight may be due to aspartame increasing one’s appetite, leading to greater food consumption. One particular study suggested that these sweeteners may increase appetite by disrupting the signaling process that usually occurs when a person eats foods with more calories.

In other words, artificial sweeteners like aspartame provide sweetness without providing the body with energy, and this may be what stimulates appetite. A person who regularly consumes artificial sweeteners can essentially cause their body to unlearn the association between sweet tastes and calories, leading to overeating.

Metabolism

Several studies have found a link between aspartame and changes in metabolism. In fact, one study suggested that low-calorie sweeteners may disrupt the balance and diversity of bacteria living in the gut, leading to metabolic disease. Another study found that high levels of aspartame could cause a change in serum and oxidative stress markers, which could lead to type 2 diabetes.

Further, another study investigated the link between certain sugars and sweeteners on people’s glucose tolerance. More specifically, they found a link between aspartame and greater glucose intolerance among those with obesity. However, none of the sugars and sweeteners in this study had any negative effect on people with a healthy weight.

Are There Health Risks Associated with Aspartame?

There are some studies that have found some short and long-term health effects associated with aspartame.

Short-Term Effects

A 2019 study looked at the short-term effects of aspartame on the blood and biochemical measurements on mice over the course of 30 days. It found that consuming aspartame was harmful to the mice and produced negative effects, however, researchers need further evidence and human studies to support these findings.

Long-Term Effects

A 2016 study looked at the effects of aspartame on the central and peripheral nervous system of rats. The study found that long-term dosage of aspartame was harmful to the structure of the sciatic nerve and that stopping any intake of aspartame for a month did not lead to complete recovery. Scientists believe human studies need to be done to learn more.

Other Associated Risks

Some research suggests that aspartame can increase the risk of:

• Certain types of cancer (though a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggest a link, researches require further evidence from human studies)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Preterm delivery (limited evidence exists and there is no clear conclusion on this)
• Toxicity in the kidneys
• Toxic liver disease
• Harmful changes to the salivary glands

Who Should Avoid Aspartame?

People with Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) should avoid aspartame.

PKU is a genetic metabolic disorder that increases levels of the essential amino acid called phenylalanine in the blood. People with PKU are unable to metabolize phenylalanine properly, which is one of two amino acids that make up aspartame. While aspartame has significantly lower levels of this amino acid in comparison to everyday food sources such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, people with PKU need to monitor all dietary sources of phenylalanine to avoid toxic levels.

TD is a neurological disorder that causes sudden uncontrollable jerking movements of the body and face. TD most often results from a long-term use of antipsychotic medications, however, a review notes that some evidence suggests a link between TD and the buildup of phenylalanine (one of the amino acids that makes up aspartame) in the body.

Aspartame Alternatives

If you would like to limit your intake of aspartame, try one of these alternative natural sweeteners:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Agave nectar
• Stevia leaves
• Molasses

Conclusion

There is much controversy around the safety of aspartame, despite approval from the FDA. While some studies suggest a link between aspartame and negative health effects, particularly for those with certain medical conditions or obesity, much more research is required to support the findings in many of these limited studies.