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.

 

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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’?