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REVIEW
Direct and indirect cellular effects of aspartame on
the brain
P Humphries
1,2
, E Pretorius
1
and H Naude
´
1
1
Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa and
2
Department of Anatomy, University of the
Limpopo, South Africa
The use of the artificial sweetener, aspartame, has long been contemplated and studied by various researchers, and people are
concerned about its negative effects. Aspartame is composed of phenylalanine (50%), aspartic acid (40%) and methanol (10%).
Phenylalanine plays an important role in neurotransmitter regulation, whereas aspartic acid is also thought to play a role as an
excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamate, asparagines and glutamine are formed from their
precursor, aspartic acid. Methanol, which forms 10% of the broken down product, is converted in the body to formate, which
can either be excreted or can give rise to formaldehyde, diketopiperazine (a carcinogen) and a number of other highly toxic
derivatives. Previously, it has been reported that consumption of aspartame could cause neurological and behavioural
disturbances in sensitive individuals. Headaches, insomnia and seizures are also some of the neurological effects that have been
encountered, and these may be accredited to changes in regional brain concentrations of catecholamines, which include
norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. The aim of this study was to discuss the direct and indirect cellular effects of
aspartame on the brain, and we propose that excessive aspartame ingestion might be involved in the pathogenesis of certain
mental disorders (DSM-IV-TR 2000) and also in compromised learning and emotional functioning.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2008) 62, 451– 462; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602866; published online 8 August 2007
Keywords: astrocytes; aspartame; neurotransmitters; glutamate; GABA; serotonin; dopamine; acetylcholine
Introduction
The artificial dipeptide sweetener, aspartame (APM; L-
aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester), is present in many
products in the market, especially in unsweetened or sugar-
free products. People trying to lose weight or patients with
diabetes, including children, frequently use these products.
A recent observation indicated that aspartame is slowly
making its way into ordinary products used every day, which
do not carry any indication of being for people on diets or
diabetics. Thus, aspartame is used not only by the above-
mentioned group of people, but also by unsuspecting
individuals. Although there is concern and research evidence
suggesting possible adverse neurological and behavioural
effects due to aspartame’s metabolic components (phenyla-
lanine, aspartic acid (aspartate), diketopiperazine and metha-
nol), which are produced during its breakdown, research
suggests that aspartame is not cytotoxic. This debate still
continues 20 years after the FDA had approved the use of
aspartame. As seen later in the literature study, phenylala-
nine may cross the blood–brain barrier and cause severe
changes in the production of very important neurotransmit-
ters. Methanol breaks down into formate, which in turn is
very cytotoxic and can even cause blindness.
The effects of aspartame have been studied on various
species, including humans, rats, mice and rabbits. Most
studies described in the literature have a macroscopic
approach. If no adverse effects are visible after a single large
administered dose of aspartame, it is believed that aspartame
has no effect. Further studies are not carried out micro-
scopically to demonstrate possible adverse effects on the
cellular basis. Thus, results obtained from different studies
vary from severe adverse effects to none observed.
The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and
indirect cellular effects of aspartame on the brain, and
we propose that excessive aspartame ingestion might be
involved in the pathogenesis of certain mental disorders
(DSM-IV-TR 2000) and also in compromised learning and
Received 25 October 2006; revised 26 April 2007; accepted 27 April 2007;
published online 8 August 2007
Correspondence: Professor E Pretorius, Department of Anatomy, University of
Pretoria, BMW Building, Dr Savage Street, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001,
Gauteng, South Africa.
E-mail: resia.pretorius@up.ac.za
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2008) 62, 451– 462
&
2008 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 0954-3007/08 $
30.00
www.nature.com/ejcn
emotional functioning. Most diet beverages and food
products currently in the market contain aspartame as an
artificial sweetener. However, controversy surrounds the
effects of this non-nutritive artificial sweetener, as it is made
up of three components that may have adverse effects on
neural functioning, particularly on neurotransmitters (Fig-
ure 1), neurons and astrocytes.
In light of the possible adverse effects of aspartame, the
research questions directing this study are formulated as
follows: What are the direct and indirect cellular effects of
aspartame on the brain? How might excessive aspartame
ingestion contribute to the pathogenesis of certain mental
disorders? What are the implications for early brain devel-
opment, emotional status and learning following high
ingestion of aspartame?
Aspartame is composed of phenylalanine (50%), aspartic
acid (40%) and methanol (10%). The first two are known as
amino acid isolates. It has been reported that consumption
of aspartame could cause neurological and behavioural
disturbances in sensitive individuals (Anonymous, 1984;
Johns, 1986). Headaches, insomnia and seizures are some of
the neurological disturbances that have been encountered,
and this may be accredited to changes in regional brain
concentrations of catecholamines, which include norepi-
nephrine, epinephrine and dopamine (Coulombe and
Sharma, 1986), all important neurotransmitters regulating
life-sustaining functions. The effects of phenylalanine,
aspartic acid and methanol are first reviewed, followed by a
discussion of altered neurotransmitter functioning, that is
dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, g-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), and acetylcholine. The discussion is concluded with
implications for early brain development, emotional status
and learning following high ingestion of aspartame.
Effects of phenylalanine
Phenylalanine not only plays a role in amino acid metabo-
lism and protein structuring in all tissues, but is also
a precursor for tyrosine (Hawkins et al., 1988), DOPA,
dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (Ganong, 1997),
phenylethylamine (Young, 1988) and phenylacetate
(as phenylacetate interferes with brain development and
fatty acid metabolism). Phenylalanine also plays an impor-
tant role in neurotransmitter regulation (Caballero and
Wurtman, 1988).
Phenylalanine can follow one of the two pathways of
uptake in the body. A part is converted into tyrosine (a non-
essential amino acid) in the liver (Caballero and Wurtman,
1988) by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (Figure 2a)
The remaining portion of phenylalanine (not converted in
the liver) will bind to a large neutral amino acid transporter
(NAAT) to be carried over the blood–brain barrier (BBB)
(Figure 2b). A large number of compounds, including
phenylalanine and tyrosine, compete with each other for a
binding site on the NAAT, because it is the only manner in
which they can cross the BBB. Importantly, tyrosine cannot
be synthesized in the brain and has have to enter the BBB via
NAAT (Figure 2c) for production. Memory loss is thought to
Terminated
stimulation by Cl—
independent
membrane transport
system ! Re-
absorption across
pre-synaptic
membrane
Neurotransmitters
Amino acids
Peptides
Biogenic
amines
1. Aspartic acid – Excitatory
2. Glycine – Inhibitory
3. Glutamic acid – Excitatory
4. GABA – Inhibitory
(Connected to Cl− Channel)
1. Vasopressin
2. Somatostatin
3. Neurotensin
1. Nor-epinephrine
Catecholamines
2. Dopamine
3. Serotonin Indolamine
• Specialised
functions on
hypothalamus
• Act as co-factors
elsewhere in brain
Acetyl choline
• Excitability
• From acetyl CoA (pyruvate oxidation)
and choline(transported across BBB)
Specialised
modulating
functions
Figure 1 Classification of neurotransmitters.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
452
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
be due to aspartic acid and phenylalanine being neurotoxic
without the other amino acids found in protein. These
neurotoxic agents might cross the BBB and deteriorate the
neurons of the brain (Mehl-Madrona, 2005).
NAAT is also a co-transporter for phenylalanine, trypto-
phan (an important precursor for synthesis of serotonin),
methionine and the branch-chained amino acids. All the
above-mentioned amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine,
tryptophan and methionine) compete for the NAAT trans-
porter, so a large quantity of one amino acid in the blood
stream will occupy most of this transporter. This results in a
phenylalanine overload in the surrounding areas, greatly
limiting the amount of important amino acids (for example,
tyrosine, tryptophan and methionine) entering the brain
(Figure 2c). If high concentration of aspartame is taken
through the daily diet, 50% of it is broken down to
phenylalanine. Phenylalanine will then be either converted
into tyrosine or cross the BBB as it is. Tyrosine is converted
into dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) once it is in the brain,
by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, with the help of the
co-factors oxygen, iron and tetrahydrobiopterin (THB)
(Figure 2d).
Dopamine, a catecholamine, is formed from DOPA by an
aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Tyrosine hydroxylase
activity is inhibited by high concentrations of dopamine
through its influence on the THB co-factor (negative feed-
back, Figure 2d). This system is very necessary to prevent
large amount of dopamine being produced, as dopamine is
Liver
Phenylalanine Tyrosine
Phenylalanine hydroxylase
Large neutral amino acid transporter (NAAT)
Tyrosine
Brain
(BBB)
NAAT Tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine, branch-
chained amino acids
Brain
(BBB)
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan (Needed for production of serotonin) All compete for NAAT
Tyrosine
hydroxylase
Aromatic amino acid
decarboxylase
Tyrosine DOPA Dopamine
Oxygen, Iron, THB
High concentrations – Negative feedback
Thus, lowered [tyrosine hydroxylase] in liver = High [Phenylalanine].
Phenylalanine is thus more likely to bind to NAAT, not tyrosine (Dopamine) or
tr
yp
to
p
han
(
Serotonin
)
Lowered tyrosine
concentrations in the
brain = lowered
concentrations of
dopamine
Transport of:
Methionine
Branch-chained amino acids
Tyrosine (Needed for production of dopamine)
Figure 2 (a) Production of tyrosine from phenylalanine. (b) Transport of tyrosine across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). (c) Co-transporter
(NAAT) for transport of tyrosine and so on across the BBB. (d) Conversion of tyrosine into dopamine.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
453
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
an inhibitory neurotransmitter. However, if phenylalanine,
as the main part of aspartame, competes with tyrosine for
NAAT, a compromised dopamine production will result
because phenylalanine will bind more frequently and freely
than tyrosine owing to its higher concentration, and thus
lead to lower concentrations of dopamine in the brain. After
administration of aspartame to humans, the increases in
blood levels of both phenylalanine and tyrosine have been
well documented (Fernstorm, 1988; Filer and Stegink, 1988).
Therefore, phenylalanine (formed by breakdown of aspar-
tame) will increase in the brain owing to the ingestion of
aspartame, and tyrosine will increase as a breakdown by-
product of phenylalanine in the liver (Fernstorm, 1988; Filer
and Stegink, 1988). Thus, aspartame and its components
could potentially disrupt a wide range of processes in the
body, including amino acid metabolism, protein structure
and metabolism, nucleic acid integrity, neuronal function
and endocrine balances.
Aspartame ingestion directly results in an increase inphe-
nylalanine and tyrosine levels in the brain, which in turn
leads to changes in the regional brain concentrations of
catecholamines (for example, dopamine) (Fernstorm et al.,
1983). According to Mehl-Madrona (2005) aspartame
changes the dopamine level in the brain, affecting people
suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Bowen and Evangelista
(2002) noted a substantial increase in the levels of plasma
phenylalanine and aspartic acid after ingestion of aspartame.
This increased phenylalanine, thereby causing a PKU
(phenylketonuria) effect. PKU, also known as phenylpyruvic
oligophrenia, is a disorder characterized by accumulation of
phenylalanine and its keto derivatives in the blood, tissues
and urine. This disorder is a direct result of a hereditary
deficiency or absence of phenylalanine hydroxylase. As
described previously, this enzyme is necessary for conversion
of phenylalanine into tyrosine. The enzymes required for the
reduction of circulating phenylalanine are overwhelmed,
thus also interfering with other metabolic reactions that
utilize these enzymes, resulting in the PKU effect. This causes
reduced dopamine and serotonin production as the enzyme
actions controlling numerous types of neurotransmitters
(and their precursor amino acids) are debilitated by over-
doses of the competitive circulating phenylalanine isolates
(and aspartic acid isolates; Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
Serotonin, an indolamine, causes powerful smooth muscle
contraction (Ganong, 1997). Physiologically, it is also
important for behaviour and control of sleep, temperature,
appetite and neuroendocrine functions. Tryptophan, inde-
pendently utilized for synthesis of serotonin in the brain, is
transported across the BBB via NAAT. Therefore, if NAAT is
occupied with phenylalanine, tryptophan will not be
adequately carried across the BBB and serotonin production
can ultimately be compromised (Figure 3).
Brain
Large neutral amino acid transporter (NAAT)
Tryptophan Tryptophan converted to Serotonin
(BBB)
BBB Tight junctions Regulate uptake/transport
Of glucose, nutrients, amino
Acids etc.
= Lowered cAMP activity Down regulation
of astrocyte
physiology and
neuroenergetics
Increased cAMP activity Increased complexity of tight junctions of endothelial cells of
BBB
Decreased cAMP activity Lowered complexity of the tight junctions = Compromised
BBB
Synaptic cleft
Low serotonin concentrations
Figure 3 Production of serotonin from tryptophan.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
454
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Aspartame administered orally in mice as single doses gave
contradictory results; norepinephrine and dopamine (pre-
cursor of norepinephrine) concentrations in various brain
regions increased significantly, and not as observed above.
However, mice have a different metabolism for aspartame
and its breakdown products are different from those of
human beings; this could be the reason for these contra-
dictory results. Sharma and Coulombe (1987) also analysed
different regions for catecholamine (for example, dopamine)
and indoleamine (for example, serotonin) neurotransmitters
and their major metabolites. Results from this study
indicated that single dose exposure increased adrenergic
chemicals, which were not apparent after repeated dosing
with aspartame. In contrast to the above observation,
decreased serotonin and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindolea-
cetate, was found in several regions (Sharma and Coulombe,
1987). The lowered levels of serotonin might cause the
following:
!A compromised BBB—due to lower levels of activity of
cAMP, which plays an important role in the complexity of
the tight junctions in the epithelial cells of the capillaries
(Figure 3).
!Lowered activity of the GABA transporters—thus GABA is
absorbed at a lower rate into the astrocytes, which results
in the continuous inhibition of depolarization of the
postsynaptic membrane (Figure 4).
Maher and Wurtman (1987) suggested that aspartame
consumption could cause neurological or behavioural reac-
tions in some people. When mice were given aspartame in
doses that raise plasma phenylalanine levels more than those
of tyrosine (which probably occurs after any aspartame dose
in humans), the frequency of seizures increased, especially
following the administration of the epileptogenic drug,
pentylenetetrazole. Equimolar concentrations of phenylala-
nine stimulate this effect and are blocked by synchronized
administration of valine, which blocks phenylalanine’s entry
into the brain (Maher and Wurtman, 1987).
Glutamate, the most common neurotransmitter in the
brain, is formed from its precursor a-ketoglutarate from the
Kreb’s cycle (Figure 5). Glutamate is primarily produced in
neurons as excitatory neurotransmitters owing to an in-
creased flow of positive ions (sodium and calcium) by
opening the ion-channel after binding to appropriate
receptors. Stimulation of these receptors is terminated by a
chloride-independent membrane transport system, which is
used only for reabsorbing glutamate and aspartate across the
presynaptic membrane. Glutamate can also be reabsorbed
into the neurons for later use. Excess glutamate released into
the synapses is converted into glutamine (non-excitotoxic
molecule) by nearby astrocytes (glial cells). Glutamine is
safely transported back to neurons, for reconversion into
glutamate. Swollen astrocytes contribute to the excitotoxi-
city of glutamate owing to their inability to absorb excess
glutamate. Glutamate acts on its postsynaptic N-methyl-D-
aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors. The NMDA
receptor is an ion channel for calcium, sodium and
potassium ions. Glutamate and aspartate exert their action
through three separate receptors characterized by selective
interaction with NMDA, quisqualate and kainate (Hidemitsu
et al., 1990). The glutamate recognition sites might directly
be acted upon by aspartame in the brain synaptic mem-
branes. This interaction might play a vital role in mediating
the potentiation of hippocampal excitability as reported by
Fountain et al. (1988).
As discussed above, aspartame may act on the NMDA
receptors, leading to continuous activation of these receptor
sites resulting in no binding space for glutamate. Contin-
uous activation might cause damage to brain neurons, as
suggested by Choi and Rothman (1990). Thus, aspartame
Glutamine GABA
GABA
Astrocyte Neuron
Serotonin
Serotoninergic receptors
(sodium dependant)
GABA
(inactivated)
Serotonin
Activate GABA transporters
(Important role in GABA
transmission and inhibition
Stimulate activity and
mRNA expression of
GABA
GABA
Serotonin
GABA in synapse
decrease probability of
depolarization of
postsynaptic
membrane
Figure 4 Effects of lowered levels of serotonin on g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the synaptic cleft.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
455
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
acts as an agonist of glutamate on the NMDA receptor
(Fountain et al., 1988).
GABA is also primarily produced by neurons in the citric
acid cycle from succinate and is inactivated by absorption
into astrocytes (Figure 5). GABA is secondarily produced in
astrocytes from glutamine. It can be released from the
astrocytes as GABA or it can be reabsorbed into the neuron as
glutamine (for conversion into either glutamate or GABA). If
the neuroenergetics of the cells were compromised by the
presence of aspartame, thus lowering glucose and oxidative
metabolism, this important feedback system of tryptophan
and tyrosine will be inhibited (Ganong, 1997).
Owing to a lowered level of oxidative metabolism and low
glucose levels in the cells, pyruvate would not be converted
into acetyl CoA necessary for production of acetylcholine in
synapses (Figure 6). Thus, it could lead to a decreased
stimulation of second messengers (often cyclic AMP) to
indirectly open the ion channels. Since aspartame causes
neurodegeneration (destructions of neurons), the neurons in
the Meynert nucleus will also be decreased. The Meynert
nucleus is the primary cholinergic input for the cerebral
cortex, and loss of neurons in this nucleus has been shown in
Alzheimer’s patients. Thus, aspartame might be involved in
the cause/mimic of Alzheimer’s disease (Ganong, 1997;
Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
Effects of aspartic acid
One of the largest studies commissioned by the aspartame
manufactures are of the opinion that: ‘in most cases
aspartate concentrations were not significantly affected by
aspartame ingestion’ (Stegink et al., 1988; Stegink et al.,
1989). If read in another way, it suggests that in some cases
aspartic acid was, indeed, increased. Aspartic acid is thought
to play a role as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central
nervous system (Watkins, 1984; Stone and Burton, 1988).
Glutamate, asparagines and glutamine are formed from their
precursor, aspartic acid (Stegink et al., 1989). Aspartate is
inactivated by reabsorption into the presynaptic membrane
and it opens an ion channel (Olney, 1975). Aspartate is an
excitatory neurotransmitter and has an increased likelihood
for depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane. Even
short-lived increases of a powerful neural stimulator are
enough to induce neuroendocrine disturbances (Olney,
1975). In addition, Mehl-Madrona (2005) observed that
when the temperature of aspartame exceeds 861F, the wood
alcohol in aspartame is converted into formaldehyde and
then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis.
The methanol toxicity is thought to mimic the symptoms of
multiple sclerosis. According to them, symptoms of fibro-
myalgia, spasms, shooting pains, numbness in the legs,
cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain,
depression, anxiety, slurred speech, blurred vision or mem-
ory loss have been attributed to aspartame.
Effects of methanol
As mentioned previously, aspartame breaks down to form
phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol, which form 10%
of the break down product. The methanol in the body is
converted to formate, which is then excreted. It can also give
rise to formaldehyde, diketopiperazine (a carcinogen) and a
number of other highly toxic derivatives (Clarke, 2000). The
absorption-metabolism sequence of methanol-formalde-
hyde-formic acid also results in synergistic damage (Bowen
and Evangelista, 2002). The accumulation of formate rather
Astrocytes
Pyruvate from Mitochondria of neurons and astrocytes
Acetyl CoA
Production
of CO2
Oxaloacetate
Citrate
Isocitrate
α-Ketoglutarate
Succinyl CoA
Succinate
Fumarate
Malate
Citric acid cycle:
NADH Production
of CO2
H20 +
ATP
Neurons
Citric acid cycle:
α-Ketoglutarate
Glutamate
Glutamine
GABA
GABA
released
into
synapse
Glutamate
released
into
synapse
Glutamate
Glutamine
GABA
GABA is
inactivated by
absorption into
astrocyte
Glutaminase
Glutaminase
Glutamine and
GABA released
into synapse to be
absorbed by
neurons (inhibits
depolarization).
GABA can also be
reabsorbed by the
astrocytes for
inactivation.
GAD
Succinic semi-
aldehyde
Glutamate
absorbed into
astrocytes from
synaptic cleft
Figure 5 Production pathway of glutamate and g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in neuronal and glial cells.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
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European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
than methanol is itself considered to cause methanol
toxicity (Stegink et al., 1989), but research has shown that
formaldehyde adducts accumulate in the tissues, in both
proteins and nucleic acids, after aspartame ingestion (Trocho
et al., 1998). The formed adducts of the metabolic poisons
alter both mitochondrial DNA and nucleic DNA. Methanol
and formaldehyde are also known to be carcinogenic and
mutagenic. The damaged DNA could cause the cell to
function inadequately or have an unbalanced homoeostasis,
thus initiating disease states (Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
In addition, it is thought that the methanol is the aspartame
is converted to formaldehyde in the retina of the eye,
causing blindness (Mehl-Madrona, 2005).
As seen from the above discussion, tryptophan, tyrosine
and phenylalanine are precursors for the neurotransmitters
serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Glutamate (glu-
tamic acid) and aspartate (aspartic acid), as neurotransmit-
ters, have no direct access to the brain and have to be
synthesized in the neuronal cells of the brain. Proteins rich
in aspartate and glutamate have no effect on the levels of
acidic amino acids in the brain. If aspartame is ingested in
large amounts, it will increase the levels of acidic amino
acids in the brain (Fernstrom, 1994).
Effects of aspartame on the blood brain barrier
A compromised BBB (altered lipid-mediated transport or
active carrier transport) will result in the transport of
excitotoxins (aspartame) across BBB and within the cere-
brospinal fluid causing several adverse reactions to occur:
!The nerves will be stimulated to fire excessively by the
excitotoxins.
!The offset of induced, repeated firing of the neurons
mentioned above will require normal enzymes, which are
negated by the phenylalanine and aspartic acid present in
aspartame.
These compulsory enzyme reactions mentioned above
require a normal functioning energy system. Thus, it could
be stated that the neurons become compromised from
(Bowen and Evangelista, 2002):
!diminishing intracellular ATP stores;
!the presence of formaldehyde;
!intracellular calcium uptake been changed (e.g. phenyla-
lanine binds to NMDA receptor, not glutamate, thus
altering calcium channels);
!cellular mitochondrial damage;
!destruction of the cellular wall; and
!subsequent release of free radicals.
These preceding reactions potentiate oxidative stress and
neurodegeneration. Secondary damage is caused by the toxic
by-products, which in turn will increase capillary perme-
ability, continuing to destroy the surrounding nerve and
glial cells, thus further obstructing enzyme reactions and
promoting DNA structural defects. Cellular death occurs over
the next 1–12 h (Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
+
Produce
ATP
Glycogen Phosphorylase catalyse
breakdown of glycogen
Mitochondria of neurons
Pyruvate Alanine
Glycolysis in Cytoplasm
Lactate
Acetyl CoA
Glucose
Glucose-6-phosphate
Neurons and Astrocytes
Produce
NADH
Astrocytes:
Phosphoenolpyruvate
Choline (Across BBB) Acetyl
Choline
Glycogenolysis
Pyruvate
Figure 6 Production pathway of acetylcholine in neuronal cells.
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
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European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Excitotoxic-saturated placental blood flow, caused by
maternal aspartame consumption, could lead to the damage
or impairment of the development of the foetal nervous
system, contributing to cerebral palsy and all-encompassing
developmental disorders (Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
Mehl-Madrona (2005) also cited findings implicating aspar-
tame consumption at the time of conception to consequent
birth defects, because the phenylalanine concentrates in the
placenta, causing mental retardation. Laboratory tests
showed that animals developed brain tumours as a result
of aspartame administration. It was also pointed out that
phenylalanine breaks down into 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phos-
phate (DXP), a brain tumour agent. In keeping with these
findings, neuronal (brain) damage is also produced by
excitotoxins circulating in the fetal brain areas, as a result
of an incompetent BBB. This is especially true for those areas
adjacent to the brain’s ventricular system. The methanol
components of aspartame are thought to mimic fetal alcohol
syndrome, which is a direct result of the maternal ingestion
of aspartame (Bowen and Evangelista, 2002).
The amino acids that constitute meat contain a chain of
80–300 amino acids, of which 4% are phenylalanine. This
chain also includes the amino acid valine. Valine inhibits the
transport of phenylalanine into the brain across the BBB. In
aspartame, phenylalanine makes up 50% of the molecule;
thus, in a can of diet soda, which contains 200 mg
aspartame, 100 mg is phenylalanine. No valine is present in
aspartame to block the entry of toxic levels of phenylalanine
into the brain, thus resulting in lowered concentrations of
dopamine and serotonin owing to NAAT occupation by
phenylalanine.
Thus, it can be concluded that the usage of aspartame
should be carefully considered as it (and its metabolites)
causes detrimental effects, ranging from alterations in
concentrations of neurotransmitters to causing infertility.
Thus, human health at the macroscopic, microscopic and
cellular level is at risk of being destroyed.
Comparison between human and animal reaction to aspartame
Physiologically, the animals tested for phenylalanine toxi-
city are approximately 60 times less sensitive than human
beings. Humans are 10–20 times more sensitive to methanol
poisoning both as a subchronic and chronic toxin/carcino-
gen. The differences in enzyme concentrations of the species
suggest that animals studied are more sensitive to the more
common ethanol found in alcoholic beverages. Test animals
being used are 8–10 times less sensitive than humans to the
effects of aspartic acid and glutamates (Bowen and Evange-
lista, 2002).
Implications of aspartame consumption for early brain
development and everyday living
Ingestion of aspartame results in a craving for carbohydrates,
which will eventually result in weight gain, especially
because the formaldehyde stores in the fat cells, particularly
in the hips and thighs; therefore, aspartame is believed to
cause problem in diabetic control. (Mehl-Madrona, 2005). In
addition, prenatal consumption of aspartame might result in
mental retardation, impaired vision, birth defects and is
thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s
disease; furthermore, it is implicated in disruption of
learning and emotional functioning due to its involvement
in alteration of certain neurotransmitters. The earlier
research findings show that aspartame consumption might
affect early brain development and neurotransmitter sys-
tems, which might result in specific emotional, behavioural
and learning difficulties as discussed below.
Dopamine involvement in emotional status and learning
In the preceding sections it was noted that when phenyla-
lanine, one of the main component of aspartame, competes
with tyrosine for NAAT, a compromised dopamine production
will result, because phenylalanine will bind more frequently
and freely than tyrosine owing to its higher concentration.
This will thus lead to lower concentrations of dopamine in
the brain. Dopamine receptors are numbered D1, D2, D3, D4
and D5 receptors, all playing an important role in the
dopaminergic system. The dopaminergic system is active in
maintaining normal motor behaviour, and loss of dopamine
is related to Parkinson’s disease, in which the muscles are
rigid and movement is difficult (Kolb and Whishaw, 2003).
Disturbances of the development of the dopaminergic
system may lead to dyskinesia, dystonia, tics, obsessive–
compulsive disorders and abnormal eye movements
(Herlenius and Langercrantz, 2004). This has been observed
in DA-depleted rats after 6-hydroxyl dopamine treatment
but with preserved noradrenaline effect (Zhou and Palmiter,
1995). D1-receptors are involved in working memory
performance (Williams and Goldman-Rakic (1995)). A
disturbance of the development of the dopaminergic system
has been postulated to contribute to the cause of attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in which a deficient
working memory is an important component (Dare et al.,
2003). In 2002, Bowen and Evangelista noted a substantial
increase in levels of plasma phenylalanine and aspartic acid
after ingestion of aspartame. This increased phenylalanine
causes PKU effect as noted earlier in this study. Infants with
phenylketonuria and probably deficient dopaminergic in-
nervation of the prefrontal cortex have been found to have
(among other symptoms) an impaired working memory
(Diamond et al., 2004).
Serotonin involvement in early brain development, emotional
status and learning
Tryptophan, independently utilized for synthesis of serotonin
in the brain, is transported across the BBB via NAAT. There-
fore, if NAAT is saturated with phenylalanine, tryptophan will
not be adequately carried over the BBB and serotonin
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
458
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
production can ultimately be compromised. In addition to its role
in regulating maturation of terminal areas, serotonin can set
its own terminal density—a phenomenon Whitaker-Azmitia
(2001) termed autoregulation of development.
Serotonin (5-HT), like other monoamine neurotransmit-
ters, has been shown to play a role in regulating brain
development before the time it assumes its role as a
neurotransmitter in the mature brain (Chubakov et al.,
1986, 1993; Lauder, 1990; Whitaker-Azmitia, 1991; Turlejski,
1996; Whitaker-Azmitia et al., 1996). This neurotransmitter
is concentrated in the raphe nucleus of the brain, and is also
present in platelets. Serotonin and serotonergic neurons are
localized in the midbrain, the pineal gland, the substantia
nigra, the hypothalamus and the raphe nuclei of the brain
stem (Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004). The 5-HT neurons
have widespread projections, making it possible to coordi-
nate complex sensory and motor behavioural conditions.
Serotonin is also involved in inducing sleep, sensory
perception, temperature regulation and control of mood;
therefore, serotoninergic activity was found to be highest
during waking and arousal and absent during active or rapid
eye-movement sleep (Boutrel et al, 1999).
In addition, serotonin has been reported to affect neuronal
proliferation, differentiation, migration and synaptogenesis
(Gaspar et al., 2003). In the mammalian brain, all the
monoamine neurotransmitter systems are present relatively
early but, in particular, serotonin is likely to present the
earliest in the most terminal regions (Whitaker-Azmitia,
2001). These early appearances of serotonergic neurons with
their wide distribution of terminals play a crucial role in
programmed neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and apoptosis.
Serotonergic cells in the raphne are among the earliest to be
generated in the brain (Gaspar et al., 2003). Therefore,
serotonin concentration must be neither too high nor too
low during the critical period of synaptogenesis and forma-
tion of cortical connections. Serotonergic abnormalities are
also associated with abnormalities of cortical development
and thalamocortical connectivity, as abnormal serotonin
transport or synthesis during brain development may
directly affect formation of intracortical and thalamocortical
circuitry (Chugani, 2004). Furthermore, disruptions of the
serotonergic pathways due to excess or inadequate activation
of specific 5-HT receptors during development are implicated
in the pathogenesis of developmental disorders such as
autism (Gaspar et al., 2003). The relative balance of
tryptophan metabolism, regulated by the serotonin and
kynurenine pathways, might therefore be important in the
pathogenesis of pervasive developmental disorders among
children, and aspartame consumption may therefore play a
role in the occurrence of developmental disorders.
GABA involvement in early brain development, emotional status
and learning
The removal of the carboyxl (COOH) group from glutamate
produces GABA, which is the main inhibitory transmitter
(Kolb and Whishaw, 2003), and perhaps 25–40% of all nerve
terminals contain GABA (Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004).
In humans, the majority of neocortical GABAergic neurons
arise locally in the ventricular and subventricular zone.
Proportionally fewer GABAergic neurons originate from the
ganglionic eminence of the ventral forebrain (Letinic et al.,
2002). The lowered levels of serotonin due to aspartame
consumption might cause lowered activity of the GABA
transporters, and thus GABA is absorbed at a lower rate into
the astrocytes, which will result in the continuous inhibition
of depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.
Although GABA is regarded as the main inhibitory
transmitter in the mature animal, it has a different role
during early development (Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004).
During early brain development, it acts as a trophic factor to
influence events such as proliferation, migration, differentia-
tion, synapse maturation and cell death (Owens and
Kriegstein, 2002). Herlenius and Lagercrantz (2004) report
that GABA is a crucial transmitter for the human infant and
operates mainly as an excitatory transmitter on immature
neurons. As GABA has a trophic role during early brain
development, interference with the function of GABAergic
transmission during this period may affect the development
of neuronal wiring, plasticity of neuronal network and also
have a profound influence on neural organization (Herlenius
and Lagercrantz, 2004).
Acetylcholine involvement in early brain development, emotional
status and learning
Previously, it was mentioned that aspartame could cause
changes to acetylcholine production. It is known that at a
lowered level of oxidative metabolism and low glucose levels
in the cells, pyruvate would not be converted into acetyl CoA
necessary for production of acetylcholine in synapses.
Acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters of
importance in the brain for cortical activation, attention,
reward and pain. The cholinergic system is thought to play a
role in memory and learning by maintaining neuron
excitability. Death of acetylcholine neurons and decrease in
acetylcholine in the neocortex are thought to be related to
Alzheimer’s disease (Kolb and Whishaw, 2003), as it has a
major role in the control motor tone and movement and
probably counterbalances the effect of dopamine (Johnston
and Silverstein, 1998; Cooper et al., 2003). In addition,
acetylcholine is of major importance for the development
and the control of autonomic functions, and alterations to
the cholinergic system might result in major changes in
cortical structure. These changes can be correlated to
cognitive deficits but do not affect motor behaviour
(Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004).
Norepinephrine involvement in emotional status and learning
Aspartame may also cause a change in norepinephrine.
Compared with dopamine systems, which restrict their
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
459
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
outputs to the reptilian brain (that is, the basal ganglia) and
frontal cortex, the projections of the caudally situated
noradrenaline systems are more widespread. The cell bodies
of the noradrenergic neurons are concentrated in the brain
stem, particularly in the locus coeruleus within the caudal
pons (Kolb and Whishaw, 2003). Five major noradrenergic
tracts originate from the locus coeruleus that disperse
through the whole brain. There are also clusters of
noradrenergic cell bodies in the nucleus tractus solitarius
and in the lateral ventral tegmental field (Herlenius and
Lagercrantz, 2004). Fibres from these nuclei intermingle with
those from the locus coeruleus. The A6 noradrenaline cell
group, well known as the locus coeruleus, controls higher
brain activity through the dorsal noradrenaline pathway. This
group sends inputs to the cortex, hypothalamus, cerebellum,
lower brain stem and spinal cord, thereby exerting control
over cortical arousal and attention, fear and anxiety,
and learning and memory. The ventral noradrenaline
pathway infiltrates the hypothalamus and the limbic system
(Panksepp, 1998).
Noradrenergic neurons appear at an early stage in the
development of the central nervous system. Sundstrom et al
(1993) reported noradrenergic neuronal development at the
12th to 14th day of gestation in the rat and within 5-6 weeks
in the human, and Sundstrom (1996) later suggested that
noradrenaline is essential for normal brain development. In
addition, the noradrenergic system regulates the develop-
ment of the Cajal-Retzius cells that are the first neurons to be
formed in the cortex (Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004).
Wang and Lidow (1997) showed that radial glia participate in
key steps of brain development and cortical neurogenesis,
whereas two independent studies showed glia participation
in migration (Noctor et al., 2001, 2004). Thus, adrenergic
transmission may be involved in regulating the generation,
migration and maturation of cerebral cortical cells. Herlenius
and Lagercrantz (2004) reported that administration of
6-OH-dopamine prevents programmed cell death of these
neurons and delays the formation of cortical layers. Lesion-
ing of the noradrenergic projections or blocking of neuro-
transmission with receptor antagonist prevents astrogliosis
and glial cell proliferation.
During postnatal development, noradrenaline plays an
important role in regulating attention, as noradrenergic cells
are exquisitely sensitive to environmental stimuli, especially
powerful emotional events (Panksepp, 1998). With low
noradrenaline activity, individuals tend to perseverate on a
task despite changes in stimulus contingencies because of
attention deficits. Such individuals are prone to act impul-
sively rather than deliberately. Depletion of noradrenaline
during the perinatal period can also result in subtle dendritic
changes and possibly also alterations in cortical differentia-
tion that may lead to behavioural changes (Berger-Sweeney
and Hohmann, 1997). It is also known that noradrenaline
dampens the background ‘noise’ or cortical neural activity
irrelevant to a given task (Panksepp, 1998). This makes the
influence of specific incoming signals more prominent in
the cortex, namely the ratio of the signal to background
noise is increased. Thus, it is suspected that with high
noradrenaline activity, individuals can better process infor-
mation that already has access to the cortex.
Glutamate involvement in emotional status and learning
The glutamate recognition sites might directly be acted upon
by aspartame in the brain synaptic membranes, and
aspartame may act on the NMDA receptors, leading to
continuous activation of these receptor sites and no binding
space for glutamate. The excitatory amino acid transmitter
glutamate and the inhibitory amino acid transmitter GABA
are closely related in the sense that GABA is formed by a
simple modification of glutamate (Herlenius and Lager-
crantz, 2004). Glutamate is widely distributed in the
forebrain and cerebellum and also in neurons, but it
becomes a neurotransmitter only if it is appropriately packed
in vesicles in the axon terminal (Kolb and Whishaw, 2003).
Glutamate acts on at least five types of receptors, and
particularly the NMDA receptors dominate in the immature
brain when synaptic transmission is weak and extremely
plastic, as the NMDA receptors permit entry of Na
þ
and
Ca
2þ
when opened. NMDA channels seem to be crucially
involved in the appearance of long-term potentiation and
synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory storage
throughout life (Herlenius and Lagercrantz, 2004). Cell
death resulting from glutamate occurs in two ways: first, it
causes an increase in intracellular calcium that poisons the
cell, and second, the increase in intracellular calcium can
activate genes in the cell’s DNA to produce proteins that kill
the cell, called apoptosis (Kolb and Whishaw, 2003). During
critical periods of development and synaptogenesis, NMDA
receptors play an essential role in activity-dependent
plasticity and synaptic refinement (McDonald and Johnston,
1990; Qu et al., 2003). Thus, either too much or too little
NMDA receptor activity can be life-threatening to develop-
ing neurons (Lipton and Nakanishi, 1999).
Conclusion
It was seen that aspartame disturbs amino acid metabolism,
protein structure and metabolism, integrity of nucleic acids,
neuronal function, endocrine balances and changes in the
brain concentrations of catecholamines. It was also reported
that aspartame and its breakdown products cause nerves to
fire excessively, which indirectly causes a very high rate of
neuron depolarization. The energy systems for certain
required enzyme reactions become compromised, thus
indirectly leading to the inability of enzymes to function
optimally. The ATP stores in the cells are depleted, indicating
that low concentrations of glucose are present in the cells,
and this in turn will indirectly decrease the synthesis of
acetylcholine, glutamate and GABA. The intracellular cal-
cium uptake has been altered, thus the functioning of
Effects of aspartame on the brain
P Humphries et al
460
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
glutamate as an excitatory neurotransmitter is inhibited.
Mitochondria are damaged, which could lead to apoptosis of
cells and infertility in men and also a lowered rate of
oxidative metabolism are present, thus lowering concentra-
tions of the transmitters glutamate and production of GABA.
The cellular walls are destroyed; thus, the cells (endothelium
of the capillaries) are more permeable, leading to a
compromised BBB. Thus, overall oxidative stress and neuro-
degeneration are present.
From all the adverse effects caused by this product, it is
suggested that serious further testing and research be
undertaken to eliminate any and all controversies surround-
ing this product.
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