ASPARTAME
1. Context
The World Health Organisation (WHO) cancer research arm will list the popular sugar substitute aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, the news agency Reuters reported recently. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listing is likely next month, the Reuters report said, quoting unnamed sources.
2. About Aspartame
- Chemically, aspartame is a methyl ester of the dipeptide of two natural amino acids, L-aspartic acid, and L-phenylalanine.
- It was discovered by James M Schlatter, a chemist at the American pharmaceutical company G D Searle & Co. (which is now a subsidiary of Pfizer) in 1965, apparently by accident, when, while researching an anti-ulcer drug, he happened to lick his finger and detected a sweet taste.
- Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of food and beverage products.
- It is one of the most popular low-calorie sweeteners in the world. As a synthetic compound, aspartame is created through the combination of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine.
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Image Source: 123RF
3. Some key points about aspartame:
- Sweetness and Caloric Content: Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Due to its intense sweetness, only a small amount of aspartame is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness in food and drinks. Unlike sugar, it contains negligible calories, making it a favored choice for those looking to reduce their caloric intake or manage weight.
- FDA Approval and Safety: Aspartame was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive in 1981. However, it has been the subject of numerous controversies and health concerns over the years. Extensive scientific research and reviews have been conducted to evaluate its safety, and regulatory bodies around the world, including the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have consistently reaffirmed its safety for consumption at acceptable daily intake levels.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Phenylalanine: One critical consideration with aspartame is its phenylalanine content. Phenylalanine is one of the amino acids used to make aspartame. People with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize phenylalanine properly, leading to its accumulation in the body. PKU patients need to strictly monitor their phenylalanine intake and typically avoid aspartame-containing products.
- Heat Stability: Aspartame is relatively heat-sensitive, meaning it may break down and lose its sweetness when exposed to high temperatures during cooking or baking. Consequently, it is often not recommended for use in recipes that require prolonged heating.
- Wide Application: Aspartame can be found in various food and drink products, including diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie desserts, protein powders, and many other processed foods labeled as "diet" or "sugar-free."
4. Is Aspartame Dangerous?
- Aspartame is a widely studied artificial sweetener used in food for over 40 years.
- More than 100 studies found no evidence of harm from aspartame, except for phenylketonurics (PKU) which lack the enzyme to break down phenylalanine in aspartame.
- Aspartame is considered safe for all groups except PKU patients.
- The USFDA and EFSA, along with other national regulators, have certified its safety.
- Aspartame is permitted in around 100 countries, including India.
- IARC rulings on aspartame have caused confusion and raised concerns among consumers, leading to lawsuits and recipe changes.
5. About U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for protecting public health and ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of food, drugs, medical devices, vaccines, cosmetics, and other products.
- It was established in 1906 with the signing of the Pure Food and Drugs Act, the FDA has become one of the world's most influential regulatory bodies for the oversight of various consumer products and medical advancements.
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For Prelims: World Health Organisation (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Aspartame, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Phenylketonuria (PKU).
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Previous year Question
1. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use? (UPSC 2011)
A. Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in the human body due to a lack of requisite enzymes.
B. When aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation.
C. Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories.
D. Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation.
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
