Is aspartame (artificial sweetener) safe for consumption?

From the Guidelines

Aspartame is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, as evidenced by extensive safety reviews and approvals from regulatory agencies, including the FDA 1. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame is set at 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, which is much higher than what most people typically consume. Some key points to consider:

• The FDA has approved aspartame as a food additive after extensive safety reviews 1.
• Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, should avoid aspartame because they cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine, one of aspartame's components.
• Recent concerns have been raised about potential cancer risks, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans 1.
• However, the evidence remains limited and inconclusive, with most regulatory bodies maintaining that aspartame is safe at current consumption levels 1.
• Health care professionals should continue to recommend reductions in sugar intake and calories with or without the use of NNS, and assure people with diabetes that NNS have undergone extensive safety evaluation by regulatory agencies and are continually monitored 1.
• Moderating intake of aspartame-containing products is a reasonable approach for those who are concerned 1. It's also worth noting that:
• The use of nonnutritive sweeteners, including aspartame, has been increasing in recent years, particularly among children and adolescents 1.
• There is ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the safety and potential health effects of aspartame and other nonnutritive sweeteners 1.

From the Research

Aspartame Safety Overview

• Aspartame is a synthetic dipeptide artificial sweetener used in various products, and its safety has been debated since its approval in 1981 2.
• The recommended safe dosage of aspartame is 40 mg/kg/d, but the literature suggests potential side effects associated with its consumption 2.

Studies on Aspartame Safety

• A 2007 study found that current use levels of aspartame remain well below the established acceptable daily intake levels, and no adverse effects were found in toxicity studies conducted on animals 3.
• Another study published in 1991 discussed the acceptable daily intake and postmarketing surveillance of consumption levels for aspartame, concluding that actual intake is well below the ADI 4.
• However, a 2018 review suggested that aspartame consumption may be associated with various health issues, including metabolic disorders and clinical conditions 5.
• A 2018 study on neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame found that aspartame may be responsible for adverse neurobehavioral health outcomes, including learning problems, headache, and anxiety 6.

Key Findings

• The safety of aspartame is still debatable due to inconsistent data and potential side effects associated with its consumption 2, 5, 6.
• Some studies suggest that aspartame may disrupt the oxidant/antioxidant balance, induce oxidative stress, and damage cell membrane integrity, potentially affecting various cells and tissues 2.
• Aspartame consumption needs to be approached with caution due to its possible effects on neurobehavioral health, and more research is required to evaluate its safety 6.