Aspartame
Indications
Aspartame is used for:
Sugar substitute
Adult Dose
According to individual taste. 1 pellet is equiv. in sweetness to 1 tsp of sugar or 2 calories.
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Complete biliary obstruction; hypersensitivity.
Precautions
If pregnant or breast-feeding, seek advice of a health professional before use.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Aspartame :
Constipation; faecal impaction; haemorrhoids; abdominal discomfort or pain; heartburn; flatulence; nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; increased bleeding tendency (chronic use); osteoporosis; steatorrhoea (high doses); skin rashes; pruritus of the tongue, skin and perianal region; hyperchloraemic acidosis.
Mechanism of Action
Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute. Aspartame (L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a low-calorie sweetener used to sweeten a wide variety of low- and reduced-calorie foods and beverages, including low-calorie tabletop sweeteners. Aspartame is composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, as the methyl ester. Upon digestion, aspartame breaks down into three components (aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol), which are then absorbed into the blood and used in normal body processes. 200 times sweeter than sucrose, it is metabolized as a protein and its subsequent amino-acids used up in their respective mechanisms.