Generic
Aspartame
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose and is used in a variety of foods and beverages.
Description
Aspartame (L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute. It is composed of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) and methanol.
Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Upon digestion, it breaks down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol, which are absorbed and used in normal metabolic processes.
It is commonly used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free foods, and tabletop sweeteners. Its use is regulated in food and beverages in Bangladesh.
Indications
- Diet supplement and sugar substitute
- Low-calorie food and beverage sweetening
Therapeutic class
Oral nutritional preparations
Pharmacological class
Artificial Sweetener
Pharmacology
Aspartame is a dipeptide compound (L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) composed of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) and methanol.
Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Upon digestion, it is completely hydrolyzed into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol, which are absorbed into the blood and used in normal metabolic processes.
Neither aspartame nor its components accumulate in the body.
Mechanism of action
Aspartame provides sweet taste and is metabolized as a protein. Its amino acid components are used in normal physiological processes after digestion.
Dosage
Use according to individual taste. 1 pellet is equivalent in sweetness to 1 teaspoon of sugar (approx. 2 calories).
Administration
Read package instructions before use. Add to foods or beverages as needed.
Missed dose
Not applicable (used as an over-the-counter sweetener).
Side effects
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Heartburn
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Pruritus of the tongue, skin and perianal region
High doses: Steatorrhoea, hyperchloremic acidosis
Precautions & warnings
Serious Precautions:
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): Aspartame contains phenylalanine, which is harmful for PKU patients
- Pregnancy and lactation: Use with caution
- Patients taking certain medications: MAO inhibitors, sedatives, levodopa-containing drugs
- Avoid long-term excessive use (may alter gut microbiome)
Contraindications
- Complete biliary obstruction
- Hypersensitivity to aspartame or its components
Drug interactions
- MAO inhibitors: Use with caution
- Sedatives and neuroleptics: Caution advised
- Levodopa-containing drugs: Use with caution
No other significant drug interactions are known.
Food interactions
Can be taken with or without food.
Use in pregnancy
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should use with caution.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Breastfeeding mothers should use with caution.
Pediatric use
No specific pediatric dose; generally can be used similarly to adults, but in moderation.
Geriatric use
No specific precautions for elderly patients, but be cautious of drug interactions.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment needed for patients with kidney or liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause the side effects listed above. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅)