title: Formaldehyde, aspartame, and migraines: a possible connection.
abstract: Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that has been linked to pediatric and adolescent migraines. Upon ingestion, aspartame is broken, converted, and oxidized into formaldehyde in various tissues. We present the first case series of aspartame-associated migraines related to clinically relevant positive reactions to formaldehyde on patch testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Sharon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stechschulte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001218:Aspartame / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005502:Food / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010328:Patch Tests; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D013549:Sweetening Agents; D005557:Formaldehyde; D001218:Aspartame