E951 - Aspartame

Author: Maryam Ayres Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic: Aspartame is a white crystal that has no odor, has a strong sweet taste. The food supplement is 200 times sweeter than sugar or sucrose. The substance dissolves e

Characteristic

Aspartame is a white crystal that has no odor, has a strong sweet taste. The food supplement is 200 times sweeter than sugar or sucrose. The substance dissolves well in water, alcohol, is characterized by a low degree of solubility in fatty solvents. When heated, the sweet taste disappears and the substance itself is destroyed, so it is used only in products that are not subjected to heat treatment. At a temperature of 30 degrees aspartame begins to decompose, forming formaldehyde and methanol with high toxicity. It is often used in the preparation of low-calorie and dietary products. Additive E 951 is obtained by the synthesis of L-amino acids (phenylalanine and aspartic acid).

Use

Aspartame is the second most common sweetener in the world. It is produced both in the form of a stand-alone sugar substitute and in industrial quantities for use in the food industry. The additive is part of soft and soft drinks, chewing gum, hot chocolate powder, all kinds of candies, dragees, sweetened milks and dairy products, confectionery. The list of products containing aspartame is very long. E 951 is used in the manufacture of drugs such as cough syrups, for example, also sweeteners for people suffering from diabetes or obesity. But the use of the substance may not justify the expectation that the weight gain will increase rapidly.

Impact on humans

Although aspartameis considered a low-risk food supplement, there is information that it has an adverse effect on health if taken regularly with food. Prolonged use can cause headaches, migraines, allergic reactions, depression, insomnia. Some scientists theorize that in certain cases the substance is able to cause the development of brain cancer. The theory was partially confirmed in an experiment performed on rats that received aspartame daily with their food. Most of them die from malignancies. People who are obese, who regularly take aspartame-based sweeteners, most often do not lose weight, but on the contrary - gain weight, and quite quickly. In addition, drinks containing the substance not only do not quench thirst, but also increase it.

Products in the presence of the additive in its composition are contraindicated for those suffering from phenylketonuria. The substance also stimulates the appetite, which does not reflect well on the general condition of the person.

E951 - Aspartame

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

Related Articles