Magnuson, B. A., Burdock, G. A., Doull, J., Kroes, R. M., Marsh, G. M., Pariza, M.W., Spencer, P.S., Waddell, W. J., Walker R., Williams, G.M.
Aspartame: A safety evaluation based on current use levels, regulations, and toxicological and epidemiological studies. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 2007; 37(8): 629-727.
Abstract
Aspartame is a methyl ester of a dipeptide used as a synthetic nonnutritive sweetener in over 90 countries worldwide in over 6000 products. The purpose of this investigation was to review the scientific literature on the absorption and metabolism, the current consumption levels worldwide, the toxicology, and recent epidemiological studies on aspartame. Current use levels of aspartame, even by high users in special subgroups, remains well below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Food Safety Authority established acceptable daily intake levels of 50 and 40 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. Consumption of large doses of aspartame in a single bolus dose will have an effect on some biochemical parameters, including plasma amino acid levels and brain neurotransmitter levels. The rise in plasma levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid following administration of aspartame at doses less than or equal to 50 mg/kg bw do not exceed those observed postprandially. Acute, subacute and chronic toxicity studies with aspartame, and its decomposition products, conducted in mice, rats, hamsters and dogs have consistently found no adverse effect of aspartame with doses up to at least 4000 mg/kg bw/day. Critical review of all carcinogenicity studies conducted on aspartame found no credible evidence that aspartame is carcinogenic. The data from the extensive investigations into the possibility of neurotoxic effects of aspartame, in general, do not support the hypothesis that aspartame in the human diet will affect nervous system function, learning or behavior. Epidemiological studies on aspartame include several case-control studies and one well-conducted prospective epidemiological study with a large cohort, in which the consumption of aspartame was measured. The studies provide no evidence to support an association between aspartame and cancer in any tissue. The weight of existing evidence is that aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption as a nonnutritive sweetener.
American Dietetic Association publishes evidence-based analysis of human research on aspartame putting questions to rest
April 2009
In 2008, the ADA undertook an in-depth analysis of a list
of questions about aspartame using its "evidence analysis" approach, which
systematically evaluates human studies (within specific parameters) related to
defined questions. After the research analysis, conducted in this project by
five registered dietitians (RD) chosen and trained by ADA, is completed, a
separate expert group of five RD's evaluates the work as it applies to the
questions at hand. A conclusion statement is formulated, and a "grade" is
applied to each conclusion statement indicating the strength of the evidence
supporting that conclusion.*
The ADA project looked at the science around several questions raised by the
media and others over recent years. The final analysis, posted on the ADA
Evidence Analysis Library web site, puts these questions to rest. For example,
- Some have claimed that low calorie sweeteners like aspartame could have a
"rebound" effect that leads people to have more of an appetite or to eat more
food. The analysis found, "There is good evidence that aspartame does
not affect appetite or food intake." This consensus statement was given
a "grade 1," the highest grade in the EAL scale.
- Others have implied, despite the implausibility, that low calorie sweeteners
actually "make" people gain weight. The ADA committee looked at studies in
adults and concluded that using aspartame in the context of a reduced calorie
diet either does not affect weight or is associated with increased
weight LOSS. This body of research also was given a grade 1.
- For years the urban myths about aspartame's supposed "negative effects" have
proliferated on the Internet. The committee evaluated peer-reviewed research
from the scientific literature on this topic and concluded, "Aspartame
consumption is not associated with adverse effects in the general
population." Once again, the committee found that the support for this
statement is "grade 1."
The overall evaluation was funded jointly by ADA and
Ajinomoto. Research analysts and expert committee members were chosen by ADA.
For complete access to the full report, and to review all of the questions,
along with access to summaries of the research that was considered for each,
click here.
*Conclusion Statements are assigned a grade by an
expert work group based on the systematic analysis and evaluation of the
supporting research evidence. Grade I is good; grade II, fair; grade III,
limited; grade IV signifies expert opinion only; and grade V indicates that a
grade is not assignable because there is no evidence to support or refute the
conclusion. Recommendations are also assigned a rating by an expert work group
based on the grade of the supporting evidence and the balance of benefit versus
harm. Recommendation ratings are Strong, Fair, Weak, Consensus or Insufficient Evidence.
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