What is Aspartame?

About Aspartame:

• It is the world’s most commonly used low-calorie artificial sweetener, which is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (common sugar).
• It was discovered by James M. Schlatter a chemist, in 1965, and was introduced to replace sucrose.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aspartame for use in some dry foods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983.
• It is made up of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are naturally occurring amino acids in many protein-rich foods.
• In the body, aspartame is metabolised into its constituent components aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and a small amount of methanol.–
• It is used worldwide as a sugar substitute in thousands of foods and drinks, including cereals, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie fruit juices and diet sodas.
• Around 100 countries around the world, including India, permit the use of aspartame.

Q1) What is Metabolism?

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves a wide range of biochemical reactions that convert nutrients into energy, build and repair tissues, and regulate various biological functions.

Source: What is aspartame, the additive in your diet cola, which the WHO may declare as ‘possibly carcinogenic’?

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