Synonyms
c-mer; H-Asp-Phe-OMe; N-(L-α-Aspartyl)-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; N-L-alpha-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-Methyl Ester; L-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; Asp-Phe-OMe
Molecular Formula
C14H18N2O5
Smiles
COC(=O)[C@H](CC1=CC=CC=C1)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(=O)O)N
Boiling Point
436.08℃ (rough estimate)
General Description
Aspartame is an artificial, low-calorie sweetener that is not a saccharide. Chemically, it is the methyl ester of the dipeptide of aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Two stereoisomers exist, designated α and β, though only the α form possesses sweetness. Roughly 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), it yields a potent sensory punch while circumventing the high-calorie content or glycemic effect of carbohydrates. Chemically, aspartame is a white, odorless powder that is stable when kept dry; though it will slowly hydrolyze in prolonged exposure to heat or highly alkaline conditions into its constituent amino acids.
Application
The main use of aspartame is as a sweetener in foods and beverages, such as carbonated soft drinks, powdered drink mixes, and milk-based drinks. It is also popular as a tabletop sweetener and ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, candies and desserts. In pharmaceutical formulations, aspartame can be used as an excipient to help hide the bitter taste of active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially in chewable tablets and effervescent products. Because of its high sweetness potency, aspartame has become fundamental for low calorie and diabetic product formulations.
Researchers investigated whether the maximum allowed human dose of aspartame (40 mg/kg/day) affects kidney function or induces oxidative stress, addressing concerns about its metabolites causing renal damage. Researchers used ICR mice fed folate-deficient diets to mimic human metabolism, dividing them into control, aspartame-only, folate-deficient, and combined treatment groups. After eight weeks of oral aspartame administration, no significant differences were observed in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary biomarkers, or kidney histology between groups. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed no changes in oxidative stress markers (SOD and 4-HNE). These results indicate that approved aspartame doses do not cause renal dysfunction or oxidative stress in this human-metabolism-mimicking model, contradicting some previous high-dose rodent studies but aligning with clinical data. Limitations include undetermined serum folate levels in test groups and exclusive focus on kidney effects. The findings support aspartame’s renal safety at regulatory-approved levels but warrant further multi-organ and long-term research.
Fig. 2 Evaluation of morphological changes in the kidneys. (Torigoe K, et al. 2024)
References
- Torigoe K, et al. Aspartame, as an artificial sweetener, does not affect renal function and antioxidative states in mice. BMC Research Notes. 2024, 17(1): 155.
Does Aspartame need to be stored in a sealed container?
Yes, Aspartame must be stored in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption.
Can Aspartame be stored together with other food additives?
Aspartame can be stored with non-reactive additives, keeping separate from corrosives.
How to track my Aspartame shipment?
You can track your Aspartame shipment with the tracking number provided after dispatch.
What if my Aspartame shipment is delayed?
We will investigate and inform you promptly if your Aspartame shipment is delayed.