The study entitled, “Transgenerational Transmission of Aspartame-Induced Anxiety and Changes in Glutamate-GABA Signaling and Gene Expression in the Amygdala,” reports that mice consuming aspartame in drinking water at a dose equivalent to approximately 15% of the FDA-approved maximum daily intake value for humans resulted in robust, dose-dependent anxiety. Investigators, Jones, et al., also report that the anxiety phenotype, its response to diazepam, and changes in amygdala gene expression were transmitted from the aspartame-exposed male founders to their descendants. However, data from animal studies are often misleading and therefore must be interpreted with caution, as the results of these investigations cannot and should not be extrapolated to humans. Further, the reported findings of this study are in contradiction to the totality of evidence and the numerous global health organizations who have regarded aspartame as safe, following rigorous assessments.
It should also be noted that evidence of human trials conducted in this area also refute the claims of the current study. Following a series of comprehensive, psychological tests, biochemistry and advanced metabonomics, Sathyapalan, et al. reported, “there was no evidence of any acute adverse responses to aspartame” and concluded that “acute ingestion of aspartame does not have any detectable psychological or metabolic effects in humans.”
In conclusion, CCC emphasizes that aspartame, as well as all other low- and no-calorie sweeteners permitted for use in foods and beverages, is safe and remains an effective tool in weight management, sugar reduction and blood glucose management.
Do you have questions about low-calorie sweeteners? Want to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle? You asked and we listened. Our resident Registered Dietitians answered the most popular questions about low-calorie sweeteners.
