Aspartame has been more intensely studied than almost any other food additive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of aspartame in 1981. Since then they have received hundreds of reports ranging from headaches to depression, irritability and dizziness that may relate to aspartame. These conditions are common, and no clear cut relationship has been established. Leading authorities have concluded that there is no evidence of any harmful effects, except for people with the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria.

A safe amount is up to 40mg/kg/day.
This means that a 60kg person can consume daily up to:

  • 8-10 cans of diet pop or
  • 65 packages of artificial sweetener or
  • 43 containers (175ml) of diet yogurt.
Aspartame has NOT been shown to help people lose weight and keep it off. Studies have suggested that not only do most people who use diet foods eat the saved calories later in the day, but diet foods may make you hungrier. Sweet tolerance is a matter of habit. The more you eat, the more likely you are to develop a preference for sweets.
Whilst aspartame is considered safe, we do not know the long-term effects. It is still prudent to limit use, especially for children and pregnant women.