American Dietetic Association's Evidence Analysis Library Review of Aspartame Complete

The conclusion statement notes, “In patients with diabetes, aspartame consumption is not associated with elevated plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, fasting glucose control, intolerance to aspartame, opthalmologic effects, heart rhythm or weight.”

19/05/09 The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recently reviewed the low calorie sweetener aspartame and affects on weight, appetite, desire for sweetness and alleged adverse reactions for its Evidence Analysis Library (EAL). After review, the ADA concluded that aspartame consumption is not associated with adverse effects in the general population, including hypersensitivity reactions, elevated blood methanol or formate levels, or brain cancers (Grade I).  (Please see below for more information about how ADA determines grading levels).  The ADA found limited evidence suggesting aspartame consumption has an adverse affect on children (Grade III).  Further, the conclusion statement notes, “In patients with diabetes, aspartame consumption is not associated with elevated plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, fasting glucose control, intolerance to aspartame, opthalmologic effects, heart rhythm or weight.”

According to the ADA, “There is good evidence that aspartame does not affect appetite or food intake” (Grade I).  However, the ADA concluded there was limited evidence indicating aspartame consumption has no affect on appetite or food intake in children (Grade III).  Please note there is limited evidence available in children as food ingredients have historically been tested only in adults.  The ADA review of aspartame and energy balance (weight) found that, as part of a low calorie diet, aspartame may be associated with increased weight loss (Grade I).  To date, adequate studies regarding aspartame consumption and energy balance in children, as well as studies to evaluate the effect of aspartame on preference for sweet taste have not been conducted, according to the ADA.  Further, a detailed explanation of the relationship between aspartame, methanol and formaldehyde is available. 

The ADA’s EAL systematically reviews selected literature on various topics, analyzes results and summarizes conclusions that may be made after the review.  Studies done prior to 1985 and studies done on animals and not humans are excluded from the review.  Further, a grade is assigned based on the strength of evidence supporting the conclusion.  Grade I signifies ‘good’ evidence supporting the conclusion, Grade II signifies ‘fair’ evidence indicating uncertainty in the conclusion, and Grade III implies ‘limited’ evidence stemming from a limited number of studies.  Conclusion statements given a Grade IV correspond with ‘expert opinion only’ and the conclusion relies on the statement of medical reviewers and is based solely on clinical experience.  Grade V indicates there is no evidence available that directly supports or refutes the conclusion and a grade is ‘not assignable.’  Although the ADA’s EAL serves to systematically review selected research, the inclusion process is extremely stringent and much impactful research is never included in the process.

Source: Calorie Control Council

To access the full EAL aspartame report, visit:
http://www.aboutaspartame.com/professional/news.asp