Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener commonly used as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. Here are some key facts about aspartame:
# Structure and Properties
1. *Methyl ester*: Aspartame is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide.
2. *White crystalline powder*: Aspartame is a white, crystalline powder that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.
# Uses
1. *Food and beverages*: Aspartame is widely used in low-calorie foods, sugar-free gum, diet sodas, and table sweeteners.
2. *Pharmaceuticals*: Aspartame is also used as an excipient in some pharmaceutical applications.
# Safety and Health
1. *Approved by regulatory agencies*: Aspartame has been approved for use in over 100 countries, including the US FDA, European Food Safety Authority, and World Health Organization.
2. *Potential health concerns*: Some studies have raised concerns about potential health effects, such as headaches, digestive issues, and cancer risks. However, these findings are not conclusive, and many regulatory agencies have deemed aspartame safe for consumption.
