title: Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection?
abstract: Aspartame (α-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine-o-methyl ester), an artificial sweetener, has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems. Possible neurophysiological symptoms include learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The consumption of aspartame, unlike dietary protein, can elevate the levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid in the brain. These compounds can inhibit the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are known regulators of neurophysiological activity. Aspartame acts as a chemical stressor by elevating plasma cortisol levels and causing the production of excess free radicals. High cortisol levels and excess free radicals may increase the brains vulnerability to oxidative stress which may have adverse effects on neurobehavioral health. We reviewed studies linking neurophysiological symptoms to aspartame usage and conclude that aspartame may be responsible for adverse neurobehavioral health outcomes. Aspartame consumption needs to be approached with caution due to the possible effects on neurobehavioral health. Whether aspartame and its metabolites are safe for general consumption is still debatable due to a lack of consistent data. More research evaluating the neurobehavioral effects of aspartame are required.
authors.affiliation: a School of Medical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Arbind Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Choudhary
authors.affiliation: a School of Medical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Yeong Yeh
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6486-7717
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D001218:Aspartame / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D064306:Non-Nutritive Sweeteners / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010649:Phenylalanine / Q000378:metabolism; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D064306:Non-Nutritive Sweeteners; D001224:Aspartic Acid; D012701:Serotonin; D010649:Phenylalanine; D004298:Dopamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009638:Norepinephrine; D001218:Aspartame
keywords: Aspartame; Aspartic acid; Neurophysiological symptoms; Phenylalanine