Is Aspartame Safe For My Child?

I've heard that the artificial sweetener aspartame can cause health problems later in life. Is it safe to let kids have foods or candy that contain it?
– Brian

Some have expressed concerns about the safety of aspartame, and there has been debate over whether it might be linked to a variety of symptoms and illnesses. However, based on current scientific evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aspartame as safe for kids and adults to consume. (The FDA has also approved four other artificial sweeteners: saccharine, acesulfame potassium [acesulfame-K], neotame, and sucralose.)

Government regulators in more than 100 other countries, along with independent groups such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), also have said that food and drinks containing aspartame are safe as long as they're part of a balanced diet.

The FDA does recommend that kids and adults limit how much aspartame they consume to no more than 50 milligrams of aspartame per 2.2 pound (1 kilogram) of body weight per day. The average person consumes less that 2% of this amount per day, so it would be difficult to consume harmful amounts of aspartame.

Here's a quick guide to popular products and the average amount of aspartame in each serving:

12 ounces (360 milliliters) of diet soda = 225 milligrams of aspartame
½ cup (120 milliliters) of sugar-free frozen dairy dessert (frozen yogurt, ice cream, etc.) = 47 milligrams of aspartame
1 packet of artificial sweetener = 37 milligrams of aspartame

Some people should avoid aspartame. Anyone who has the rare hereditary disease phenylketonuria (PKU) is unable to break down the compound phenylalanine, which is in aspartame. Consumption of too much aspartame can result in brain damage and cognitive impairment for anyone with PKU.

The FDA requires all products that contain artificial sweeteners to state that on the label. However, if you are concerned about your kids' aspartame consumption, talk with your doctor.

For more information, check out these articles:
Deciphering Food Labels
Healthy Drinks for Kids
Nutrition and Fitness Center

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2007

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