From the Guidelines
Aspartame is safe for consumption in moderation, with the FDA-approved acceptable daily intake (ADI) being 50 mg/kg body weight, and individuals with diabetes can use it as a sugar substitute to reduce calorie intake, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When considering the use of aspartame, it's essential to understand its chemical equilibrium and breakdown products. Aspartame exists in a chemical equilibrium between its dipeptide form and its breakdown products, which include phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. This breakdown is influenced by pH and temperature, with acidic environments like those in soft drinks helping to stabilize the molecule. At higher temperatures or in alkaline conditions, aspartame degrades more rapidly, which is why diet sodas have expiration dates and may taste different when stored improperly.
Some key points to consider when using aspartame include:
- The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame is 50 mg/kg body weight, as determined by the FDA 1.
- Aspartame is safe for consumption in moderation, with no significant association with cancer risk, according to a systematic review of the existing data 1.
- Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame since they cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine, one of the breakdown products.
- The use of aspartame can lead to weight stabilization or a small degree of weight loss by helping lower total caloric intake, especially among children and adolescents with obesity, as suggested by a prospective cohort study 1.
- Aspartame can be considered part of a comprehensive program and a substitute for foods and beverages containing caloric sweeteners for weight loss or weight maintenance, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Overall, the current evidence suggests that aspartame is safe for consumption in moderation, and individuals with diabetes can use it as a sugar substitute to reduce calorie intake, as long as they follow the recommended ADI and consider their individual health needs 1.
From the Research
Aspartame and Equilibrium
- Aspartame is a low-calorie food sweetener that has been associated with dizziness and vertigo in some individuals 2.
- A study published in 1992 found that some patients who consumed aspartame experienced symptoms of episodic vertigo and continuous unsteadiness, which resolved when they stopped consuming the sweetener 2.
- Another study published in 2017 found that aspartame consumption may disrupt the oxidant/antioxidant balance, induce oxidative stress, and damage cell membrane integrity, potentially affecting a variety of cells and tissues and causing a deregulation of cellular function, ultimately leading to systemic inflammation 3.
- A review of research findings related to aspartame intake found that it may be associated with various health issues, including metabolic disorders and clinical conditions 4.
- However, a safety evaluation of aspartame based on current use levels, regulations, and toxicological and epidemiological studies found that it is safe at current levels of consumption as a nonnutritive sweetener 5.
- Vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of dizziness and improving gaze and postural stability in individuals with vestibular hypofunction, but there is no direct evidence to suggest that aspartame consumption is a cause of vestibular hypofunction 6.
Possible Effects of Aspartame on Equilibrium
- Aspartame may be associated with dizziness and vertigo in some individuals, which could affect their equilibrium 2, 3.
- The exact mechanisms by which aspartame may affect equilibrium are not fully understood, but it may be related to its effects on the oxidant/antioxidant balance and cellular function 3.
- More research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of aspartame on equilibrium and to determine whether it is a safe and suitable sweetener for individuals with vestibular disorders.