Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in a variety of food and drink products. It is a low-calorie option that is often preferred by those who are looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the use of aspartame, including questions about who invented it and whether or not it is safe to consume. In this article, we will explore the history of aspartame, including its invention and development, as well as some of the concerns that have been raised about its use.
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is made by combining two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It was first discovered in 1965 by a chemist named James Schlatter, who was working on new treatments for gastric ulcers. Schlatter accidentally spilled some of the chemical compound he was working with on his hand and then licked his finger to pick it up. He noticed that the substance was sweet, and this led him to investigate its potential as a sweetener.
Aspartame was approved for use as a food additive by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981. Since then, it has become one of the most commonly used artificial sweeteners, and is found in a wide range of food and drink products, including soft drinks, chewing gum, and desserts.
How is Aspartame Made?
Aspartame is made by combining two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. These two amino acids are combined using a process known as condensation, which involves removing a molecule of water in order to create a peptide bond between the two amino acids.
Once the two amino acids are bonded together, they are treated with methanol, which helps to stabilize the molecule and prevent it from breaking down. The resulting compound is aspartame, which is then purified and dried before being used as a sweetener.
Is Aspartame Safe to Use?
The safety of aspartame has been a subject of debate for many years, with some studies suggesting that it may have negative health effects, while others have found no such evidence. The FDA has approved the use of aspartame as a food additive, and has stated that it is safe for consumption.
However, some studies have suggested that consuming large amounts of aspartame may have negative health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and other health problems. Other studies have found no evidence to suggest that aspartame is harmful at typical levels of consumption.
If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, it is important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can provide you with information about the potential risks and benefits of consuming aspartame, and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to use it.
What are the Benefits of Using Aspartame?
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that can be used as a substitute for sugar in a variety of food and drink products. This can be beneficial for those who are looking to reduce their sugar intake, either for health reasons or to maintain a healthy weight.
Aspartame is also beneficial for people with diabetes, as it does not affect blood sugar levels in the same way that sugar does. This means that it can be used as a sugar substitute without causing spikes in blood sugar, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
What are the Side Effects of Aspartame?
There have been reports of side effects associated with the use of aspartame, including headaches, dizziness, and digestive problems. However, many of these reports have not been substantiated by scientific studies, and the safety of aspartame has been confirmed by the FDA.
If you experience any negative side effects while consuming aspartame, it is important to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine whether or not the side effects are related to aspartame, and provide you with advice on how to proceed.
Conclusion
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has become widely used as a sugar substitute in a variety of food and drink products. It was invented by James Schlatter in 1965, and has been approved for use as a food additive by the FDA since 1981. While there have been concerns about the safety of aspartame, many studies have found no evidence to suggest that it is harmful when consumed in typical amounts.
References
- Aspartame. (2020). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html
- Aspartame. (2021). Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/additive-approval-process
- Frenkel, R. (2014). The Making of a Miracle: The Untold Story of the Aspartame Wars. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(3), 764-766. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.087965
- Olsen, R. W. (2018). Aspartame: A Review of Genotoxicity Data. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 118, 198-203. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.050
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented Aspartame?
Aspartame was invented by James Schlatter, a chemist who was working on new treatments for gastric ulcers, in 1965.
When was Aspartame approved for use as a food additive?
Aspartame was approved for use as a food additive by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981.
Is Aspartame safe to use?
The safety of aspartame has been a subject of debate for many years, but it has been approved for use by the FDA and is generally considered safe at typical levels of consumption.
What are the benefits of using Aspartame?
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that can be used as a substitute for sugar in a variety of food and drink products. It can be beneficial for people who are looking to reduce their sugar intake, as well as for people with diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
What are the side effects of Aspartame?
There have been reports of side effects associated with the use of aspartame, including headaches, dizziness, and digestive problems. However, many of these reports have not been substantiated by scientific studies, and the safety of aspartame has been confirmed by the FDA.