Abstract
Aspartame (NutraSweet®, Equal®) is a widely used artificial sweetener, has been reported
to be accountable for neurological and behavioural disturbances in people. Upon ingestion,
aspartame is hydrolyzed in gut and provides its metabolite; such as essential amino
acid phenylalanine (Phy) (50%), aspartic acid (40%), and methanol (10%). Altered brain
neurochemical compositions [such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin
(5-HT)] have long been a concern and being involved in observed neurophysiological
symptom (such as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, as well as depression) in aspartame
consumers. Aspartames might act as chemical stressor through increasing plasma cortisol
level. Aspartame consumption similarly altered gut microbiota. Taken together all
this factors, we reviewed to search for convincing evidence, in what manner aspartame
metabolites, stress hormones (cortisol), and gut dysbiosisis involved in altering
brain neurochemical composition. We concluded that aspartame metabolite; mainly Phy
and its interaction with neurotransmitter and aspartic acid by acting as excitatory
neurotransmitter causes this pattern of impairments. Along with elevated cortisol
and gut dysbiosis via interactions with different biogenic amine may also have additional
impact to modulate neuronal signaling lead to neurobiological impairments. Hence ongoing
research is instantly needed to understand the specific roles of aspartame metabolite,
elevated cortisol, and gut dysbiosis with emerging neurophysiological symptom in aspartame
consumers to improve healthy life in its consumers.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 06, 2018
Accepted:
June 25,
2018
Received:
April 2,
2018
Identification
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