Aspartame
Dipeptide ester sweetener 200x sweeter than sucrose. E951. Metabolised to phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. Most studied food additive in history. IARC 2023 classified as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic) based on limited evidence — ADI unchanged.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU): ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED — phenylalanine content causes accumulation. Must carry PKU warning. IARC Group 2B (2023): possible carcinogen based on limited hepatocellular carcinoma evidence — ADI (40mg/kg/day) maintained as safe by EFSA and FDA. Pregnancy: restrict intake. Seizures: conflicting reports in epilepsy — some neurologists advise avoidance.