For industrial purposes, aspartame is often combined with other substances to achieve a desired taste. Genotoxicity studies have revealed that combining aspartame with another commonly used sweetener, acesulfame-K, results in increased genotoxic activity due to a dose-response relationship. Since the same studies also showed no genotoxic effects in acesulfame-K, aspartame is expected to increase genotoxicity [68]. The degradation of aspartame leads to the production of formaldehyde by the conversion of methanol by DHA [77,78]. Formaldehyde can damage DNA through its ability to cross-link proteins with it, and since aspartame is an exogenous source of formaldehyde, its consumption may therefore induce genotoxicity [79, 80]. Although its genotoxicity is unknown, aspartame increased proliferation and slow apoptosis in test cells and may have carcinogenic properties. An increase in Ki 67, PCNA and bcl-2 markers was noted. Studies in rats have shown that 200 mg/kg body weight causes a significant increase in the markers c-myc, Ha-ras and the suppressor gene p53. Exposure to aspartame as early as prenatal age increases the incidence of lymphoma or leukemia in women. Studies have also confirmed an increase in the expression of P27 and H-ras. The relationship between aspartame and possible pancreatic, stomach and endometrial cancer has not been proven. The use of aspartame can cause mood disorders, psychological stress and depression. Maternal absorption of aspartame during pregnancy correlates with autism in children.
Long-term use of aspartame affects the cerebral and cerebellar cortex: it can cause neurodegeneration, impair neuronal cell functions, disrupt homeostasis, learning and memory (Table 4). In the mid-1960s, a chemist who worked for the company called G.D. Searle accidentally developed aspartame to heal stomach ulcers. Searle went through a number of testing procedures and eventually received FDA approval. Unfortunately, the testing process was one of the worst. Shortly after approval, the dangers of aspartame put G.D. Searle under heavy fire. Long-term use results in impaired glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities [18] and has been shown to affect the hippocampus.
Its metabolites, aspartate and methanol, also affect the signaling pathway associated with memory, leading to neurodegeneration and memory loss. Aspartate acts as a glutamate agonist at the NMDA receptor. The influx of calcium activates calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). CaMKII induces the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB-P) pathway. Methanol inhibits phosphorylation. [117], while aspartate is an excitotoxic substance [78] that disrupts homeostasis and impairs neuronal cell function [10]. Continued intake of aspartame also leads to a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus. All of these factors influence learning ability and memory.[115] Safety assessments of food additives in many countries have led to the authorisation of aspartame, citing the general absence of adverse effects after consumption at appropriate levels. [20] Based on government research reports and recommendations from advisory bodies such as those listed above, aspartame has been deemed safe for human consumption by more than ninety countries worldwide. [13] [14] Aspartame is a widely used sweetener in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Knowledge of the benefits and harms of aspartame is crucial to assessing the risk of its adverse health effects. According to current knowledge, the benefits of aspartame outweigh the possible side effects, so this artificial sweetener remains a base excipient in products.
Since aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue safety research. That`s a lot of food. and many people. It seems that the question: “Is aspartame dangerous” is a question we should all ask. Aspartame is a sweetener introduced to replace commonly used sucrose. It was discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965. Since it is 180 to 200 times sweeter than sucrose, its intake is expected to reduce obesity rates in developing countries and help people with diabetes. It is mainly used as a sweetener for soft drinks, confectionery and medicines. Despite its widespread use, its security remains controversial. This narrative review reviews the existing literature on the use of aspartame and its possible effects on the human body in order to refine current knowledge. Since aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue safety research.
The studies mentioned in this article have yielded very interesting results overall, this review highlights the social problem of providing visible and detailed information on the presence of aspartame in products. Studies on the effects of aspartame on obesity, diabetes mellitus, children and fetus, autism, neurodegeneration, phenylketonuria, allergies and skin problems, its cancerous properties and genotoxicity were analyzed. Further research should be conducted to ensure clear information about the health effects of aspartame. The artificial sweetener aspartame has been the subject of several controversies since it was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1974. The FDA`s approval of aspartame was highly controversial, beginning with suspicion of its involvement in brain tumors,[1] claiming that the quality of the original research supporting its safety was inadequate and flawed, and that conflicts of interest affected the approval of aspartame in 1981, which had already been evaluated by two FDA panels who concluded to put the approval on ice before further investigations. [1] [2] [3] [4] In 1987, the United States Government Accountability Office concluded that the approval procedure for food additives for aspartame had been properly followed. [2] [5] The irregularities fueled a conspiracy theory spread by the “Nancy Markle” email hoax, as well as claims – contrary to the weight of medical evidence – that numerous health problems (such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, methanol toxicity, blindness, seizures, stabbing pain, seizures, headaches, depression, anxiety, memory loss, birth defects and death[6]) caused by consuming aspartame at normal doses. be caused. [7] [8] [9] Professor Millstone and Dr. Dawson believe that of these 21, five indicate harm only at very high intakes of aspartame, but the remaining 16 indicate a risk of harm from moderate consumption.
Since many products contain aspartame, children and adults may inadvertently consume larger amounts than recommended by the FDA, which can lead to serious health complications [7]. Foods containing aspartame must be labelled “contains phenylalanine”. In addition, foods containing aspartame should be labelled that they are not recommended for cooking [8]. Although many studies have been conducted to determine the health effects of aspartame, the results of its long-term use remain difficult to predict and its use in pharmaceuticals and food products remains controversial [9]. In 2007, British supermarket chains Sainsbury`s, Marks & Spencer[42] and Wal-Mart subsidiary Asda announced that they would no longer use aspartame in their own branded products. In April 2009, Ajinomoto Sweeteners Europe, one of Europe`s aspartame producers, responded to Asda`s “No nasties” campaign by suing Asda in the English courts for malicious lying. [43] [44] In July 2009, Asda initially won the case after the trial judge interpreted the label “no bad guys” to mean that “aspartame is potentially harmful or unhealthy.” [45] [46] The decision was overturned on appeal in June 2010[47] and settled in 2011 when ASDA removed references to aspartame from its packaging. [48] U.S. attorney Samuel Skinner was asked to “initiate a grand jury inquiry into whether two of Searle`s aspartame studies were falsified or incomplete.” [17] Skinner withdrew from the case when he reviewed a job offer from the Chicago-based law firm of Sidley & Austin, Searle`s law firm, a position he later accepted. [1] The investigation was delayed and eventually the statute of limitations for the prosecution of Searle expired[1] and a grand jury was never convened.
[17] One of the first and most serious claims against the use of aspartame was its carcinogenic effect on the body; which has been attributed to its degradation to harmful formaldehyde with carcinogenic potential [135].