Uses of Aspartame

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener used in many diet, low-fat, reduced-calorie and sugar-free beverages and foods. According to the Aspartame Information Center, aspartame is found in more than 6,000 foods and beverages sold worldwide. It is also a tabletop sweetener marketed under several names including Equal and NutraSweet. Aspartame is a low-calorie sugar substitute that contains no carbohydrates and is approximately "200 times sweeter" than sugar.

History

• Aspartame was discovered by James Schlatter in 1965. In 1981, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame for use in low-calorie tabletop sweeteners. Approval for use in carbonated beverages and other foods and beverages came years later.

  Aspartame has been the subject of many scientific studies conducted on laboratory animals and humans to determine what, if any, long-term effects that consumption may have on the public. Some independent scientists have suggested that the sweetener may trigger side effects such as migraines, memory loss, brain tumors, lupus and lymphoma.

  A comprehensive review of more than 500 studies has found aspartame to be safe for children, adults and pregnant women. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, "There is no evidence that the non-nutritive sweetener causes cancer, neurological damage or other health problems in humans."

Products

• Aspartame is often found in carbonated soft drinks, gum, gelatin, pie filling, pudding, yogurt, chocolate, ice cream, cocoa mixes, fruit juice beverages, weight loss shakes, nutritional bars, jellies, jams, protein drinks, maple syrups, breath mints, flavored water and cereal. Aspartame may also be found in some pharmaceuticals such as laxatives, cough drops and vitamins. It is a requirement in the United States that aspartame be listed as an ingredient on the labels of products containing it. In some cases, aspartame may be identified as phenylalanine.

Cooking

• Aspartame is used in a variety of cooking and baking recipes. It is not recommended that aspartame be used in recipes in which lengthy baking or heating is required because loss of sweetness often occurs. Aspartame works best in recipes in which heating is not required, or in recipes that specifically call for tabletop sweeteners.

Dietary Benefits

• Aspartame is used by more than 100 million Americans as part of a weight-control program. According to a 1997 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who used aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages lost more weight overall than people who consumed sugar-sweetened products. Aspartame can reduce the calories in foods and beverages while maintaining sweetness.

  Aspartame is also used by diabetics as part of a low-carbohydrate diet. It does not contribute calories to food or "raise blood sugar levels." The American Diabetes Association maintains that aspartame is a "safe and useful sweetener for people with diabetes."

Additional Benefits

• According to research supported by the American Dental Association, aspartame does not promote the buildup of plaque or contribute to tooth decay.

  Aspartame enhances and extends the flavor of many products. It can intensify fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry and orange when used in beverages.