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Aspartame (E951) β€” What You Need to Know

Questionable(4/10)Synthetic
4
QUESTIONABLE
Safety Score: 4/10

What Is Aspartame?

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. It was discovered accidentally in 1965 by James M. Schlatter while he was working on an anti-ulcer drug. It is one of the most studied food additives in history, yet remains one of the most controversial. In July 2023, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B), creating significant public concern, though the WHO's separate nutritional body (JECFA) maintained its ADI.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a sugar substitute in diet soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, chewing gum, yogurt, and many 'sugar-free' products. Degrades at high temperatures, so it is not suitable for baking.

Function: Intense artificial sweetener
4 mg
Typical daily intake
2800 mg
Max safe daily (70 kg adult)
0.1%
of ADI (typical diet)

Safety Assessment

πŸ“Š
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg/kg bw/day
πŸ›οΈ
Regulatory Status
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Authorized
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US: Approved
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ JP: Approved
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AU: Approved
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ CA: Approved
⚠️ Key Concerns

Aspartame is contraindicated for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, because it contains phenylalanine. In July 2023, IARC classified aspartame as Group 2B ('possibly carcinogenic to humans') based on limited evidence from observational studies showing associations with hepatocellular carcinoma. The JECFA (WHO/FAO's food additives committee) simultaneously reviewed the evidence and maintained the ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day, stating the evidence was 'not convincing' enough to change safe intake levels. The FDA also maintained its position that aspartame is safe. The Group 2B classification is the second-lowest category of carcinogenic hazard and includes many common substances including pickled vegetables and aloe vera extract. The debate continues and ongoing research is warranted.

Our Assessment

Based on current evidence, Aspartame is rated Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 1.8 points below the average for sweeteners (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2023. A typical diet provides about 0.1% of the acceptable daily intake.

Commonly Found In

Diet sodaSugar-free gumTabletop sweetenersSugar-free yogurtDiet iced tea
Example brands:
Diet CokeDiet PepsiNutraSweetEqual

Always check the label for E951 or 'Aspartame'

β–ΆChemical Information
Formula: C14H18N2O5
Molecular Weight: 294.3 g/mol
CAS Number: 22839-47-0
INS Number: 951
Also known as: E951, INS 951, NutraSweet, Equal, APM, N-(L-Ξ±-Aspartyl)-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester

Frequently Asked Questions about Aspartame

Aspartame has a Safety Score of 4/10 (Questionable). Aspartame is contraindicated for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, because it contains phenylalanine. In July 2023, IARC classified aspartame as Group 2B ('possibly carcinogenic to humans') based on limited evidence from observational studies showing associations with hepatocellular carcinoma. The JECFA (WHO/FAO's food additives committee) simultaneously reviewed the evidence and maintained the ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day, stating the evidence was 'not convincing' enough to change safe intake levels. The FDA also maintained its position that aspartame is safe. The Group 2B classification is the second-lowest category of carcinogenic hazard and includes many common substances including pickled vegetables and aloe vera extract. The debate continues and ongoing research is warranted.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E951
INS Number
951
Category
Sweeteners
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Approved
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
40 mg/kg bw/day
Last Review
2023
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: βœ… YesHalal: βœ… YesKosher: βœ… YesGluten-Free: βœ… Yes

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other sweeteners in the same family

Acesulfame KSucraloseSaccharinStevia