Aspartame

Aspartame is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners, known for its sweet taste and low-calorie content. It is commonly found in a variety of food and beverage products, particularly those marketed as sugar-free or diet alternatives. The sweetener is composed of three components, aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. These are all naturally occurring substances, but they are combined in a specific way to produce the sweet taste. Despite its sweetness, aspartame is considered a low-calorie alternative to sugar. The USFDA approved aspartame for use in soft drinks in 1983, and in 1996 it was approved for general use in food products.

Brand Names

Nutra sweet, Equal and Sugar Twin

Mechanism Of Action

Aspartame is attaches to sweet taste receptors on the tongue, when this happens a signal sent to the brain, which interprets it as a sweet taste.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Aspartame is absorbed very quickly, it is absorbed in the small intestine.

Distribution

The volume of distribution of aspartame is 2.03 to 1.59 L/kg.

Metabolism

In the small intestine about 10% of aspartame is converted to methanol. Absorption of the majority of the methanol results in its rapid conversion to formaldehyde. Approximately half of aspartame is converted into phenylalanine. The breakdown of aspartame into aspartic acid accounts for about 40% of its bulk.

Excretion

Aspartame is metabolized into three harmless substances Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine and Methanol. For the vast majority of people, the body excretes these substances through urine without any issues.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics of aspartame is metabolized into harmless compounds that are naturally processed and eliminated by the body. For the vast majority of people, aspartame has minimal effects on the body and is safe for consumption. It provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar or insulin making it a useful alternative to sugar. However, individuals with PKU must avoid aspartame due to the risk of phenylalanine buildup.

Drug Interactions

Aspartame is safe for most people to consume in moderation. However, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) a rare genetic disorder, should avoid aspartame because they cannot metabolize phenylalanine one of the components of aspartame.

Side Effects

Side effects of Aspartame may includes

• Headache
• Depression
• Skin problems
• Diabetic
• Cancer
• Seizures
• Weight gain

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may includes

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Coma

Toxicity

Overdoses of aspartame may leads to toxicity. Usage of high dose of aspartame cause increase the risk of developing cancers.