Artificial Sweeteners Oral

aspartame

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener with potential health controversies.

Sci.L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester aspartame aspartame powder
1 form
2.5 /5 avg.
Oral

About aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is widely used in sugar-free products, including supplements and protein powders. It is known for its high sweetness intensity, which allows for lower quantities to be used compared to sugar. However, its safety has been a topic of debate due to potential health concerns, including its effects on metabolism and neurological health.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
1055

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS

Compare All Forms

1 form

Compare supplement forms of aspartame by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Aspartame
  • CAS: 22839-47-0
  • Label category: Synthetic
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Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

E951

Type: Artificial Sweeteners

Category for Artificial Sweeteners ingredients

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with aspartame forms:

Caloric Reduction

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with aspartame forms:

Headaches How serious: Mild Mood Changes How serious: Mild Metabolic Effects How serious: Mild Allergic Reactions How serious: Mild

What does the research say?

Numerous studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of aspartame as a sweetener. Research published in peer-reviewed journals, including those indexed in PubMed, has examined its metabolism, potential adverse effects, and clinical applications. While some studies suggest a link to negative health outcomes, regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EFSA have deemed it safe for human consumption within established daily intake levels.