Animal Study Findings on Aspartame Cannot Be Extrapolated to Humans
Study Examined
The study, “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., 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. The results of these investigations cannot and should not be extrapolated to humans. Further, the reported findings of this study contradict the totality of the evidence and numerous global health organizations that have regarded aspartame as safe following rigorous assessments.
Animal Studies Cannot Predict Human Outcomes
Evidence of human trials conducted in this area refutes 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.”
CCC Reaffirms Aspartame’s Safety
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.
Related Resources
Learn more about sweeteners.
Learn more about aspartame.