E951 — Aspartame — Sweetener

Aspartame E951 is an artificial sweetener widely used in the food industry due to its ability to provide a sweet taste without extra calories. It is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose and is found in soft drinks, chewing gums, desserts, and other products intended for people watching their sugar intake.

Danger level 3 — possibly dangerous

Possible harm

On July 14, 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), included aspartame in the list of substances that are «possibly carcinogenic to humans» (group 2B).

This means that there is limited evidence of a link between aspartame and the development of cancer in humans. However, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) did not change the acceptable daily intake of aspartame, leaving it at 40 mg per kg of body weight per day, emphasizing that aspartame is considered safe if this norm is observed.

This means that without harm to health, a 70 kg person can consume 28 g of aspartame — this is more than 5 liters of soda.

Interestingly, next to aspartame in category 2B is aloe vera extract. And what are carcinogens and what other categories exist, read in our article «What are carcinogens?»

Previously, some studies have linked aspartame to various health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. However, most scientific reviews did not confirm these links, and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have recognized aspartame as safe if the permissible consumption levels are observed.

People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame, as it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for them.

Effect on children

The effect of aspartame on children continues to be studied. Some studies suggest a possible link between aspartame consumption in childhood and behavioral and attention problems, but this data is not conclusive. Most studies have not revealed significant risks when consuming aspartame in permissible amounts.

Effect on taste

Aspartame provides a sweet taste without calories, making it popular among those seeking to reduce sugar intake. However, when heated, it may lose its sweetness, limiting its use in baking.

Compatibility with other additives

Aspartame usually combines well with other food additives, but its stability may decrease at high temperatures and certain pH levels. Therefore, it is often combined with other sweeteners to achieve the desired taste and product stability.

Production

Aspartame is synthesized from two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. This process allows for the production of a sweetener with a high degree of sweetness and low caloric value.

Alternatives

As an alternative to aspartame, other sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or sucralose can be used. Each of these has its own characteristics, and the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the consumer.

Regulation

The use of aspartame is regulated by various bodies around the world. Permissible consumption levels are set based on research results and risk assessment. In most countries, aspartame is recognized as safe for consumption within the established limits.

Conclusions

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener recognized as safe by most regulatory bodies when permissible consumption levels are observed. However, the recent IARC classification as «possibly carcinogenic to humans» highlights the need for further research. People with phenylketonuria should avoid its use. For those who want to reduce their sugar intake, aspartame can be a useful alternative, but the choice of sweetener should be based on individual needs and preferences.