Neotame is a sweetener frequently used by dieters as a sugar substitute and is the updated "sister-product" of Aspartame. The usage of sweeteners has been called into question after a series of health-problems were reported by researchers investigating the use of Aspartame. According to Dr. David Rietz, problems associated with Aspartame include seizures and brain tumors. A recent study conducted by the University of Hawaii, however, puts this claim into question.
Use as a Sweetener
Neotame is an estimated 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than household table sugar. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the acceptable daily intake is 18mg per kg of body weight. Neotame was approved by the FDA in 2002 and, while chemically similar to Aspartame, it does not contain "phenylalanine". Aspartame was not heat-stable, but Neotame can be used in baking as a sugar substitute for cakes, pastries and biscuits.
Research
While Aspartame has been widely investigated as a food product, less research has been conducted on Neotame. There are currently four studies testing Neotame on animal subjects. Two of these studies were conducted by Neotame's manufacturer, Nutrasweet, thus putting the results . Neither of the other two studies reveal any adverse effects resulting from Neotame usage. However, it should be noted that neither study investigated neurological effects and one report was simply a World Health Organization report into general sweetener consumption.
Conclusions from Research
Studies conducted thus far indicate that Neotame consumption may be safe. However, the studies that have should be considered inconclusive given the small number of studies (four), the conflict of interest issues in two of them and the fact that that were not specifically looked at in the remaining two.
Tags: into question, been conducted, , neurological effects, sugar substitute