Last update Aug. 20, 2023

Aspartame

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Aspartame is a sweetener 180 to 200 times sweeter than sugar (sucrose). Each gram provides 4 kcal.
After digestion, aspartame is rapidly broken down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol, which are absorbed into the blood and used in normal body processes. The first two components are also found naturally in meats, cereals and dairy products, and the third in fruits and vegetables. They do not accumulate in the body. 
It is used as a dietary supplement and sugar substitute, in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals.

The maximum daily intake of aspartame accepted by the FDA is 50 mg/kg. (Franz 1986)

Aspartame is not detected in breast milk (Sylvetsky 2015, Stegink 1979). After administration of very high amounts of aspartame, the phenylalanine concentration in breast milk was elevated less than 2% of usual during the first 8 hours (Stegink 1979), being still much lower than the phenylalanine concentration in artificial infant substitutes.

Expert authors consider aspartame consumption compatible with breastfeeding. (Cavagnari 2019, Nice 2000)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Aspartame since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Aspartame is also known as


Aspartame in other languages or writings:

Group

Aspartame belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Aspartame in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 294 daltons
70 - 100 hours

References

  1. Cavagnari BM. Edulcorantes no calóricos en embarazo y lactancia. [Non-caloric sweeteners in pregnancy and lactation]. Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2019 Aug 2;93. pii: e201908052. Review. Spanish. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Sylvetsky AC, Gardner AL, Bauman V, Blau JE, Garraffo HM, Walter PJ, Rother KI. Nonnutritive Sweeteners in Breast Milk. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. MedlinePlus. Edulcorantes y sustitutos del azúcar. Información de salud para usted. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. MedlinePlus. Sweeteners - sugar substitutes Trusted Health Information for you. 2015 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract
  6. Franz M. Is it safe to consume aspartame during pregnancy? A review. Nutrition update. Diabetes Educ. 1986 Abstract
  7. [No authors listed] Levels of free amino acids in lactating women following ingestion of the sweetener aspartame. Nutr Rev. 1980 Abstract
  8. Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Plasma, erythrocyte and human milk levels of free amino acids in lactating women administered aspartame or lactose. J Nutr. 1979 Abstract Full text (in our servers)

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