Neurochemical Changes Following High-Dose Aspartame with Dietary Carbohydrates

Abstract

To the Editor: Two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the artificial sweetener aspartame (1-methyl N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine) as a tabletop sugar substitute and additive in dry foods and beverage bases. At the time, I supported that decision. Now the FDA has approved expanding the sweetener's use by allowing its inclusion in soft drinks. My laboratory has undertaken pilot studies suggesting that such an increase in aspartame's use may cause neurochemical changes that could have functional or behavioral consequences, particularly in people with certain underlying diseases. Our data also show that if aspartamecontaining beverages are consumed along . . .