DR RAHUL CHAWLA

Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream. Its presence in foods can be indicated either by name or by its code E951.
Artificial sweeteners are used as alternatives to sugar due to their low-calorie nature.

They are used extensively in diabetes control and weight loss.

Substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners can lead to a reduction in overall calorie consumption, which may be beneficial for weight management and overall health.
For a short period, This can be beneficial for individuals trying to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake. However there is very little evidence to suggest sustained benefits for prolonged period.

Risks associated with Aspartame and other artificial sweatners

1. Overeating: Some studies suggest that the intense sweetness of artificial sweeteners may lead to increased cravings for sweet foods, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain.
2. Gut Health: Certain artificial sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts.
3. Migraines and Headaches: There is anecdotal evidence linking certain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, to headaches and migraines in some individuals. However, scientific consensus on this association is still unclear.
4. Metabolic Effects:

Some studies suggest that
Aspartame stimulates the sympathetic nervous system by causing an increase in cortisol steroid levels in the adrenal glands via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially leading to metabolic disturbances and weight gain over time.

5. Taste Preferences: Regular consumption of artificial sweeteners may alter taste preferences, making individuals more inclined towards sweeter foods and beverages, which could impact overall dietary habits.
6. Cancer Risk: Concerns have been raised about the potential carcinogenic effects of certain artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and cyclamate, although extensive research has not provided conclusive evidence of a significant cancer risk in humans.
   IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. Normally the daily aspartame intake tends to be way less than the acceptable intake to cause cancer. with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake7.
7. Dementia and Mental Health

Aspartame is suspected of causing neurological and behavioral changes in humans. It causes neuropsychiatric reactions such as headache, convulsions and depression. In the body, aspartame is transformed into phenylalanine (Phy), aspartic acid and methanol. These metabolites can affect the neurochemical state of the brain and influence the level of neurotransmitter

Aspartame cause mental stress, affects learning skills and memory. Aspartame is also amyloidogenic.
Low quality evidence suggests that aspartame and its metabolites increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism.

Conclusion

To conclude, Presently there is no convincing evidence that artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, cause cancer. its use may pose health risks for certain individuals, like patients with seizures or other neurological conditions; it is strictly forbidden for patients with phenylketonuria and should be restricted if not completely eliminated during pregnancy. European Food Safety Authority experts concluded that aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at current levels of exposure. The current ADI is considered to be safe for the general population as far as cancer risk is considered. However, keeping in mind the behavioural side effects and presumed risk for dementia and other neurological disorders, it’s used should be limited and avoided for long term use.