Aspartame (E951)
Definition
An artificial, non-nutritive sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Composed of two amino acids — aspartic acid and phenylalanine — linked by a methanol molecule.
Why It Matters
In July 2023, the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) based on limited evidence linking it to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Separately, research suggests artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiome composition and paradoxically worsen glucose tolerance despite containing zero calories.
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Related Terms
Sucralose (E955)
CautionA synthetic, zero-calorie sweetener created by chlorinating sucrose (replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms). Approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar.
Artificial Sweeteners (Overview)
CautionA class of synthetic or semi-synthetic sugar substitutes that provide intense sweetness (100-20,000x sweeter than sugar) with zero or near-zero calories. Includes aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and neotame.