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Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Aspartame in Low-Calorie Foods and Beverages

Click here for PDF version of the Aspartame FAQs

What is aspartame?
What is aspartame composed of?
Why is aspartame used?
What types of products contain aspartame?
How can you tell there is aspartame in a product?
Can aspartame be used in cooking or baking?
How do foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame fit into healthful eating?
Can aspartame help people lose weight?
Is aspartame safe?
Have other regulatory bodies reviewed aspartame's safety?
Have independent health organizations reviewed the safety of aspartame?
How was aspartame tested before it was approved for use in foods?
How is aspartame handled in the body?

What is methanol and is it a problem in consuming aspartame?

What is the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of aspartame?

Is it safe to consume more aspartame than the ADI?

How much aspartame would a person have to consume to reach the ADI?

How much aspartame are people actually consuming?

How much aspartame are children consuming?

What is phenylketonuria (PKU) and why is there a statement regarding PKU on products sweetened with aspartame?

Can women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consume aspartame?

Can people with diabetes consume aspartame?

Does aspartame affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes?

Does aspartame cause adverse health effects?

Does aspartame cause allergic reactions?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and headaches?

Is aspartame safe for people with epilepsy?

Does aspartame cause changes in mood, thought processes or behavior?

Does aspartame affect children's behavior?

Does aspartame increase appetite or cause weight gain?

Is there any relationship between aspartame and cancer or brain tumors?

Can aspartame affect vision?

Is it true that aspartame is an "excitotoxin?"

Is there any truth to the negative information about aspartame on the Internet or in the media?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and multiple sclerosis?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and Parkinson's disease?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and Alzheimer's disease?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and lupus?

Is there a relationship between aspartame and multiple sclerosis?

No. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation stated, “There is no evidence that aspartame in any way causes, provokes, mimics or worsens MS.” Further, an article published by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society stated, “Several websites and documents circulating on the Internet are making unsubstantiated claims about aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in many diet soft drinks and other foods.”

Is there a relationship between aspartame and Parkinson's disease?

No. A scientific study done at Georgetown University has shown that aspartame has no effect on Parkinson’s disease (PD). Further, The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., has concluded, “The cause of PD is unknown, PD existed before aspartame was invented, there is no evidence aspartame blocks the absorption of levodopa.” (Levodopa is the major drug used to treat PD.)

Is there a relationship between aspartame and Alzheimer's disease?

No. In dispelling myths about Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association concluded there was “no scientific evidence of a link between aspartame and memory loss.”

Is there a relationship between aspartame and lupus?

No. The Lupus Foundation of America has concluded that there is “no specific proof of an association with aspartame as a cause or worsening of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)” and “People with lupus should always consult with their physician before making any changes in their medical treatment, diet, exercise or other routine based on information received via the Internet or other sources lacking known credentials.”

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