Is Aspartame Safe?

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Processed sugar and HFCS (High-Fructose Corn Syrup) are not the only sweeteners to be avoided. There are sweeteners such as Aspartame, which are linked to potentially harmful health effects.

Aspartame itself has no calories, so it couldn’t possibly contribute to increased body weight, right? Well, this is where things get really interesting.  Some studies suggest that Aspartame may increase hunger. Increased appetite may then result in greater caloric intake and increased risk of obesity. Other studies show the opposite effects making the effect of aspartame on appetite inconclusive.

Short-term studies have shown that Aspartame has some negative health effects such as migraines. Also, it is unclear what the long-term health effects are. Aspartame may hide behind brand names such as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure, but it still accounts for 75 percent of adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA according to Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D. in Get the Sugar Out.

Based on an article from 2008 published by Sharon Fowler in the journal Obesity ( Fueling the obesity epidemic? Artificially sweetened beverage use and long-term weight gain), individuals who consume diet soft drinks are at an increased risk of overweight and obesity compared to those who don't.

The risk of obesity continued to increase dramatically with increased consumption of 'diet' soft drinks and was independent of other factors like exercise, smoking or socioeconomic status. This epidemiological study doesn’t prove that diet soft drinks cause obesity. To be more precise, people who drink more diet soft drinks may also have other behaviours that put them at increased risk of gaining weight.

However, the results are still quite surprising. There are other studies that claim the opposite. How is that possible? There is, of course, a strong financial interest to conceal the real effects of Aspartame. Based on a survey of studies regarding the safety of Aspartame, there is an obvious correlation between the outcome of the studies and the source of their funding: Non-Industry Funded vs Industry Funded

In a nutshell, Aspartame may cause bloating, sugar cravings, weight gain, and an increased appearance of cellulite. Some say it may be linked to cancer but there is no evidence of such claim. Aspartame is commonly found in sweeteners (syrups, sugar substitutes, etc.), sugar-free products, cooking sauces, cereals, diet sodas (Diet coke, etc.), sugar-free yogurts, flavored water, drink powders (beware of some protein powders that contain Aspartame) and even children's medicines and toothpastes.

So, which sweeteners are the healthiest yet low in carbs? To learn more about sweeteners, their carb count, health effects, conversion charts and more:

• Complete Guide To Low-Carb Sweeteners
• Top 5 Low-Carb Sweeteners and Conversion Chart

Independent Research on Aspartame Safety

Data based on the now defunct http://www.dorway.com/nonindus.html

Research	Adverse Reactions Identified
1975, Olney JW, Aspartame as a Sweetener. NEJM 1975;292(23):1244-1245., Funded by: Washington University	✔
1977, Mishiro Y and Keneko H, Effect of a Dipeptide, Aspartame, on Lactic Acid Production in Human Whole Saliva. J Dent Res 1977;56(11):1427., Funded by: Nippon Dental University, Tokyo	✔
1979, Brunner RL, Vorhees CV, Kinney L, Butcher RE, et al., Aspartame: Assessment of Developmental Psychotoxicity of a New Artificial Sweetener. Neurobehavioral Toxicology 1979;1:79-86., Funded by: USFDA	✔
1980, Olney, Brain Damage in Mice from Voluntary Ingestion of Glutamate and Aspartate. Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology 1980;2:125-129., Funded by: Washington University	✔
1982, Uribe, Potential Toxicity of a New Sugar Substitute in Patients with Liver Disease. N Engl J Med 1982;173-174., Funded by: Institute National De La Nutrition ­ Mexico	✔
1983, Wurtman, Effects of Aspartame and Glucose on Rat Brain Amino Acids and Serotin. New England Journal of Medicine 1983;309(7):429-430., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1983, Wurtman RJ, Neurological Changes Following High Dose Aspartame with Dietary Carbohydrates. N Engl J Med 1983;309(7):429-430., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1984, Olney, Excitotoxic Food Additives ­ Relevance of Animal Studies to Human Safety. Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology 1984;6:455-562., Funded by: Research Scientist Award MH-38894	✔
1984, Monte, Aspartame: Methanol and the Public Health. J Appl Nutr 36(1):42-54., Funded by: Arizona State University	✔
1984, Yokogoshi H,k Roberts CH, Canballero B, Wuetman RJ, Effects of Aspartame and Glucose Administration on Brain and Plasma Levels of Large Neutral Amino Acids and Brain 5-Hydroxyindoles. Amer J Clin Nutr 1984;40:1-7., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1984, Mahalik MP and Gautieri RF, Reflex Responsiveness of CF-1 Mouse Neonates Following Maternal Aspartame Exposure. Research Communications in Psychology, Psychiatry & Behavior 1984;9(4):385-403., Funded by: None Specified	✔
1985, Novick, Aspartame Induced Granulomatous Panniculitis. Ann Int Med 102(2):206-207., Funded by: Mt. Sinai Medical Center	✔
1985, Grobelny D and Galardy RE, A Metabolite of Aspartame Inhibits Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1985; 128(2):960-964., Funded by: University of Kentucky	✔
1985, Wurtman, RJ, Aspartame: Possible Effects on Seizure Susceptibility. Lancet 1985;2(8463):1060., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1985, Ferguson JM, Interaction of Aspartame and Carbohydrates in an Eating Disordered Patient. Am J Psych 1985 Feb;142(2):271., Funded by: None	✔
1986, Kulczycki A Jr., Aspartame ­ Induced Urticaria. Ann Intern Med 1986;104(2):207-208., Funded by: N.I.H.	✔
1986, Pardridge WM, The Safety of Aspartame [Letter]. JAMA 1986;256(19):2678., Funded by: UCLA School of Medicine	✔
1986, Koehler SM, A New Dietary Caution for Migraine Sufferers. Dir in Appl Nut 1986;1:1-7., Funded by: Center for Brain Sciences and Metabolism U of FL.	✔
1986, Kiritsky PJ and Maher TJ, Acute Effects of Aspartame on Systolic Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. J Neural Transmission 1986;66(2):121-128., Funded by: National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Diseases and Stroke	✔
1986, Yokogoshi H and Wurtman RJ, Acute Effects of Oral or Parenteral Aspartame on Catecholamine Metabolism in Various Regions of Rat Brain. J Nutr 1986;116:356-364., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1986, Walton, Seizure and Mania After High Intake of Aspartame. Psychosomatics 27:218-220., Funded by: Chautauqua County Dept of Mental Health	✔
1986, Drake ME, Panic Attacks and Excessive Aspartame Ingestion [Letter]. Lancet 1986;2(8507):631., Funded by: None	✔
1986, Johns DR, Migrane Provoked by Aspartame. New Eng J Medicine 1986;315(7):456., Funded by: None	✔
1986, Blundell JE, Hill AJ, Paradoxical Effects of an Intense Sweetener Aspartame on Appetite. Lancet 1986;1(8489):1092-3., Funded by: None	✔
1986, Caballero B, Mahon BE, Rohr FJ, Levy HL, Wurtman RJ, et. al., Plasma Amino Acid Levels after Single Dose Aspartame Consumption in Phenylketonuria Mild Hyperphenylalaninemia and Heterozygous State for Phenylketonuria. Journal of Pediatrics 1986;109(4):668-671., Funded by: National Institute of Neurological, Communicate Diseases and Stroke	✔
1986, Bradstock MK, Serdula MK, Marks IS, et al., Evaluation of Reactions to Food Additives: The Aspartame Experience. AM J Clin Nutr 1986 Mar;43(3):464-9., Funded by: Federal Government	✔
1986, Coulombe RA Jr., Sharma RP, Neurobiochemical Alterations Induced by the Artificial Sweetener Aspartame. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1986;83(1):79-85., Funded by: Utah State University	✔
1987, Wurtman RJ, Aspartame Effects on Brain Serotonin. Am J Clin Nutr 1987 Apr;45(4):799-803., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1987, Maher TJ and Wurtman RJ, Possible Neurologic Effects of Aspartame, a Widely Used Food Additive. Environmental Health Perspectives 1987;75:53-57., Funded by: M.I.T. & Federal Government	✔
1987, Drogari E, Smith I, Beasley M, Lloyd JK, Timing of Strict Diet in Relation to Fetal Damage in Maternal Phenylketonuria: An International Collaborative Study by the MRC/DHSS Phenylketonuria Register. Lancet 1987;2(8565):927-30., Funded by: Institute of Child Health	✔
1987, Elsas, et al., Changes in Physiological Concentrations of Blood Phenylalanine Produce Changes in Human Brain Function. Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function Birkhauser Boston 1988;187-195., Funded by: Emory University	✔
1988, Roberts: Neurological, Psychiatric and Behavioral Reactions to Aspartame in 505 Aspartame Reactors. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 373-376., Funded by: Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research	✔
1988, Pinto and Maher, Aspartame, Phenylalanine and Seizures in Experimental Animals. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 95-103., Funded by: National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke	✔
1988, Roberts, Reactions Attributed to Aspartame ­ Containing Products: 551 Cases. Journal of Applied Nutrition 1988;40:85-94., Funded by: Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research	✔
1988, Roberts, Neurological Psychiatric and Behavioral Reactions to Aspartame in 505 Aspartame Reactors. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 373-376., Funded by: None	✔
1988, Wurtman and Maher, Calculation of the Aspartame Dose for Rodents that Produces Neurochemical Effects Comparable to Those Occurring in People. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 144-148., Funded by: M.I.T.	✔
1988, Pinto JM, Mahea TJ, Administration of Aspartame Potentiates Pentylenetetrazole and Fluorothyl-Induced Seizures in Mice. Neuropharmacology 1988;27(1):51-55., Funded by: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy	✔
1988, Walton, The Possible Role of Aspartame in Seizure Induction. Proceedings of the first International Conference on Phenylalanine and the Brain. Wurtman RJ, Walker E (eds.), Center for Brain Sciences and Metabolism Charitable Trust, Cambridge, 1987., Funded by: Chautauqua County Dept of Mental Health	✔
1988, Tollefson L, Monitoring Adverse Reactions to Food Additives in the US Food and Drug Administration. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 1988;8(4):438-446., Funded by: FDA	✘
1988, Olney, Excitotoxic Food Additives ­ Functional Teratological Aspects. In Progress in Brain Research, Vol 73 ­ Biochemical Basis of Functional Neuroteratology: Permanent Effects of Chemical on the Developing Brain, edited by Boer, GJ, et al., Elsevier, New York 1988., Funded by: Washington University	✔
1988, Tollefson L, Monitoring of Adverse Reactions to Aspartame Reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 317-326., Funded by: FDA	✘
1988, Steinmetzer and Kunkel, Aspartame and Headache [letter]. N Engl J Med 1988;318(18):1201., Funded by: Cleveland Clinic	✔
1988, Spiers, et al., Aspartame and Human Behavior: Cognitive and Behavioral Observations. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 169-178., Funded by: Center for Brain Sciences and Metabolism Charitable Trust	✔
1988, Sardesai, et. al., Effect of Aspartame in Diabetic Rats. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 265-268., Funded by: Wayne State University	✔
1988, Matalon, et. al., Aspartame Consumption in Normal Individuals and Carriers for Phenylketonuria. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 41-52., Funded by: N.I.H. and The University of Illinois	✔
1988, Guiso G, Caccia S, Vezzani A, et. al., Effect of Aspartame on Seizures in Various Models of Experimental Epilepsy. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 1988;96:485-493., Funded by: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea	✔
1988, Johns, Aspartame and Headache. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 303-312., Funded by: Johns Hopkins University	✔
1988, Fernstrom, Effects of Aspartame Ingestion on Large Neutral Amino Acids and Monoamine Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 87-96., Funded by: N.I.M.H.	✔
1988, Maher and Kiritsy, Aspartame Administration Decreases the Entry of Alpha-Methyldopa into the Brain of Rats. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 122-126., Funded by: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy	✔
1988, Elsas, Aspartame and Migraine. N Engl J Med 1988;318(18):1201., Funded by: Emory University	✔
1988, Kim, et al., The Effect of Aspartame on 50% Convulsion Doses of Lidocaine. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 127-130., Funded by: Indiana University and Ball State University	✔
1988, Blundell, Effects of Aspartame on Appetite and Food Intake. In Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function, Wurtman and Ritter-Walker, Editors, 1988;Birkhauser, Boston, 275-295., Funded by: University of Leeds	✔
1988, Lipton RB, Newman LC, Cohen JS, Solomon S, Aspartame and Headache. The New England Journal of Medicine 1988 May 5;1200., Funded by: Albert Einstein College of Medicine	✔
1988, Lipton, et al., Aspartame as a Dietary Factor in Headache. Neurology 1988;38:356., Funded by: National Headache Foundation	✔
1988, Lipton, et al., Aspartame as a Dietary Trigger of Headache. Headache 1989;29(2):90-2., Funded by: National Headache Foundation	✔
1988, Koehler SM, Glaros A, The Effect of Aspartame on Migraine Headache. Headache 1988;28:10-13., Funded by: Center for Brain Sciences and Metabolism Charitable Trust & The University of Florida	✔
1989, Potenza DD and el-Mallakh RS, Aspartame: Clinical Update. Conn Med 1989;53(7):395-400., Funded by: None	✔
1989, Holder MD and Yirmiya R, Behavioral Assessment of the Toxicity of Aspartame. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 1989;32:17-26., Funded by: N.I.H.	✔
1989, Yost DA, Clinical Safety of Aspartame [Review].* AFP 1989 Feb;39(2):201-206., Funded by: University of Arizona	✘
1989, Dow-Edwards DL, Scribani LA, Riley EP, et. al., Impaired Performance on Odor-Aversion Testing Following Prenatal Aspartame Exposure in the Guinea Pig. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 1989 Jul-Aug;11(4):413-416., Funded by: Laboratory of Cerebral Metabolism, State University of New York.	✔
1989, Dow-Edwards DL, Scribani LA, Riley EP, Impaired Performance on Odor-Aversion Testing Following Prenatal Aspartame Exposure in the Guinea Pig. Neurotoxicol Teratol 1989;11(4):413-6., Funded by: State University of N.Y.	✔
1989, Bresnick, Excitotoxins: A Possible New Mechanism for the Pathogenesis of Ischemic Retinal Damage. Arch Opmalmol 1989 Mar;107(3):339-41., Funded by: N.I.H.	✔
1990, Turdoff MG, and Alleva AM, Oral Stimulation with Aspartame Increases Hunger. Physiology Behavior 1990;47(3):555-9., Funded by: None Specified	✔
1990, Pan-Hou H, et. al., Effect of Aspartame on N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Sensitive L-[3H] Glutamate Binding Sites in Rat Brain Synaptic Membranes. Brain Res 1990;520(1-2):351-353., Funded by: Setsunan University	✔
1991, Strathman, Recurrent Vulvovaginitis Resulting From the Heavy Dietary Use of Aspartame. J Reprod Med 1991 Aug;36(8):572., Funded by: No Funding	✔
1991, Roberts, Does Aspartame Cause Human Brain Cancer. Journal of Advancement in Medicine 4(4):231-241., Funded by: None	✔
1991, Watts RS, Aspartame, Headaches and Beta Blockers. Headache 1991;31(3):181-2., Funded by: None	✔
1991, Tilson HA, Hong JS, Sobotka TS, et. al., High Doses of Aspartame have no Effect on Sensorimotor Function or Learning and Memory in Rats. Neurotoxicology & Teratology 1991;13(1):27-35., Funded by: FDA	✘
1991, McCauliffe DP, Poitras K, et. al., Aspartame-Induced Lobular Panniculitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1991;24(2 Pt 1):298-300., Funded by: U.S. Air Force	✔
1991, Moller SE, Effect of Aspartame and Protein, Administered in Phenylalanine-Equivalent Doses on Plasma Neutral Amino Acids, Aspartate, Insulin and Glucose in Man. Pharmacol Toxicol 1991;68(5):408-12., Funded by: St. Hans Hospital, Denmark	✔
1991, Diomed L, Romano M, Guiso G, et. al., Interspecies and Interstrain Studies on the Increased Susceptibility to Metrazol-Induced Convulsions in Animals given Aspartame. Food & Chem Toxicol 1991;29(2):101-106., Funded by: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy	✔
1991, Guiso, et. al., Effect of Tyrosine on the Potentiation by Aspartame and Phenylalanine of Metrazol-Induced Convulsions in Rats. Food Chem Toxicol 1991 Dec;29(12):855-7., Funded by: Instituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Italy, Via Eritrea	✔
1992, Tollefson L and Barnard RJ, An Analysis of FDA Passive Surveillance Reports of Seizures Associated with Consumption of Aspartame. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1992;92(5):598-601., Funded by: FDA	✘
1992, Camfield PR, Camfield CS, Dooley JM, et. al., Aspartame Exacerbates EEG Spike Wave Discharge in Children With Generalized Absence Epilepsy: A Double-Blind Controlled Study. Neurology 1992;42:1000-1003., Funded by: Ontario Ministry of Health	✔
1992, Gulya AJ, Sessions RB, Troost TR, et. al., Aspartame and Dizziness: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Nonblinded, Prevalence and Attempted Cross-over Study. American J of Otology 1992 Sept;13(5):438-42., Funded by: Georgetown University	✔
1993, Shephard SE, Wakabayashi K, Nagao M, et. al., Mutagenic Activity of Peptides and the Artificial Sweetener Aspartame After Nitrosation. Food & Chemical Toxicol 1993;31(5):323-9., Funded by: National Cancer Center Research Institute ­ Japan	✔
1993, Walton RG, Hudak R, Greenwaite RJ, Adverse Reaction to Aspartame: Double-Blind Challenge in Patients from a Vulnerable Population. Biological Psychiatry 1993;34(1-2):13-17., Funded by: Western Reserve Care System	✔
1993, Tollefson L, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Controlled Scientific Studies as Proof of Causation. * Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 1993;18:32-43., Funded by: FDA	✘
1993, Eshel Y and Sarova-Pincus I, Aspartame and Seizures. Neurology 1993;43(10):2154-2155., Funded by: None Specified	✔
1993, Kasamaki A, Uresawa S, et. al., The Effect of Food Chemicals on Cell Aging of Human Diploid Cells in Vitro Culture. J Toxicol Sci 1993;18(3):143-53., Funded by: Sapparo Medical College Japan	✔
1993, Meldrum, Amino Acids as Dietary Excitotoxins: A Contribution to Understanding Neurodegenerative Disorders. Brain Res Rev 1993 Sept-Dec;18(3):293-314., Funded by: Institute of Psychiatry ­ London	✔
1994, Van Den Eeden SK, Koepsell TD, Langstreth WT Jr, et a., Aspartame Ingestion and Headaches: A randomized Crossover Trial. Neurology 1994;44(10):1787-93., Funded by: University of Washington	✔
1994, Stokes AF, Belger A, Banich MT, Bernadine E, et. al., Effects of Alcohol and Chronic Aspartame Ingestion Upon Performance in Aviation Relevant Cognitive Tasks. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 1994;65:7-15., Funded by: FDA	✘
1994, Olney, Excitotoxins in Foods. Neurotoxicology 1996;15(3):535-544., Funded by: Washington University	✔
1994, Gerrard JW, Richardson JS, Donat J, et. al., Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Movement Disorders that are Adverse Reactions to Specific Foods. Int J Neurosci 1994 May;76(1-2):61-9., Funded by: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada	✔
1994, Barua J, Bal A, A Health Alert: Emerging Facts about Aspartame. Jour Diab Assoc India 1995;35(4):92-107., Funded by: S. L. Raheja Hospital Bombay	✔
1995, Sonnewald U, Muller T, Unsgaro G, Peterson SB, et. al., Effect of Aspartame on 45 CA Influx and LDH Leakage from Nerve Cells in Culture. Neuroreport 1995 45 CA;6(2);318-320., Funded by: Research Council of Norway	✔
1995, Kulczychi A Jr., Aspartame Induced Hives. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1995;95(2):639-40., Funded by: Washington University	✔
1996, Roberts HJ, Aspartame as a Cause of Allergic Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis. Arch Intern Med 1996;156(9);1027-8., Funded by: Palm Beach Institute for Medical Research	✔
1996, Olney JW, Farber NB, Spitznagel E, Robins L, Increasing Brain Tumor Rates: Is There a Link to Aspartame? Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology 1996;55(11);1115-1123., Funded by: N.I.M.H.	✔
1998, Trocho C, Pardo R, Rafecas I, Virgili J, Remesar X, Fernandez-Lopez JA, Alemany M, Formaldehyde Derived From Dietary Aspartame Binds to Tissue Components In Vivo. Life Sciences 1998;63(5);337-349., Funded by: Universitat de Barcelona	✔

Industry-funded research on Aspartame safety

Data based on the now defunct http://www.dorway.com/industry.html

Research	Adverse Reactions Identified
1976, Koch R, Schaeffler G, Shaw NF. Results of Loading Doses of Aspartame by two Phenylketonuric (PKU) Children Compared with two Normal Children. J Toxicol Environ Health 1976;2(2):459-469., Funded by: Searle	✘
1976, Stern SB, Bleicher SJ, Flores A, et al. Administration of Aspartame in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetics, J Toxicol Environ Health 1976;2:429-439., Funded by: Searle	✘
1976, Knopp RH, Brandt K, Arky RA. Effects of Aspartame in Young Persons During Weight Reduction. J Toxicol Environ Health 1976;2:417-428., Funded by: Searle	✘
1976, Frey GH. Use of Aspartame By Apparently Healthy Children and Adolescents. J Toxicol Environ Health 1976;2:401-415., Funded by: Searle	✘
1976, Koch R, Shaw KN, Williamson M, Haber M. Use of Aspartame in Phenylketonuric Heterozygous Adults. J Toxicol Environ Health 1976;2(2):453-7., Funded by: Searle	✘
1977, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Effect of Aspartame and Aspartate Loading Upon Plasma and Erythrocyte Free Amino Acid Levels in Normal Adult Volunteers. J Nutr 1977;107:1837-1845., Funded by: Searle	✘
1979, 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;109:2173-2181., Funded by: Searle	✘
1980, Potts WJ, Bloss JL, Nutting EF. Biological Properties of Aspartame-Evaluation of Central Nervous System Effects. J Environ Pathol Toxicol 1980;3(5-6):341-353., Funded by: Searle	✘
1980, Saunders FJ, Pautsch WF, Nutting EF. The Biological Properties of Aspartame. IV. Examination for Endocrine Like Activities. J Exper Pathol Toxicol 1980;3:363-373., Funded by: Searle	✘
1980, Lennon HD, Metcalf LE, Mares SE. The Biological Properties of Aspartame. IV. Effects on Reproduction and Lactation. J Environ Pathol Toxicol 1980;3:375-386., Funded by: Searle	✘
1980, Bianchi RG, Muir ET, Cook DL, Nutting EF et al. The Biological Properties of Aspartame. III. Actions Involving the Gastrointestinal System, J. Environ Pathol Toxicol 1980;3:355-362., Funded by: Searle	✘
1980, Aspinall RL, Saunders RN, Pautsch WF, Nutting SF. The Biological Properties of Aspartame: Effects on a Variety of Physiological Parameters Related to Inflammation and Metabolism. J Environ Pathol Toxicol 1980 Jun-Jul;3(5-6):387-95., Funded by: Searle	✘
1981, Stegink LD, Brummel MC, McMartin K, et al. Blood Methanol Concentrations in Normal Adult Subjects Administered Abuse Doses of Aspartame. J Toxicol Environ Health 1981;7:281-290., Funded by: Searle	✘
1981, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Plasma and Erythrocyte Concentrations of Free Amino Acids in Adult Humans Administered Abuse Doses of Aspartame. J Toxicol Environ Health 1981;7:291-305, Funded by: Searle	✘
1981, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Effect of Aspartame and Sucrose Loading in Glutamate-Susceptible Subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34(9):1899-1905., Funded by: Searle	✘
1981, Ishii H. Incidence of Brain Tumors in Rats Fed Aspartame. Toxicology Letters 1981;7:433-437., Funded by: Ajinomoto & Searle	✘
1981, Ishii H, Koshimizu T, Usami S, Fujimoto T. Toxicity of Aspartame and its Diketopiperazine for Wistar Rats by Dietary Administration for 104 weeks. Toxicology 1981;21:91-94., Funded by: Ajinomoto & Searle	✘
1982, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Effect of Aspartame Plus Monosodium L-Glutamate Ingestion on Plasma and Erythrocyte Amino Acid Levels in Normal Adult Subjects Fed a High Protein Meal. Am J Clin Nutr 1982;36:1145-1152., Funded by: Searle	✘
1983, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Normal Adults Fed Meals with Added Monosodium L-Glutamate and Aspartame. J Nutr 1983;113:1851-1860., Funded by: Searle	✘
1983, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL, Stegink LD. Effect of Aspartame Loading on Plasma and Erythrocyte Free Amino Acid Concentrations in One Year Old Infants. J Nutr 1983;113:1591-1599., Funded by: General Foods Corp.	✘
1983, Stegink LD, Brummel MC, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Blood Methanol Concentrations in One-Year Old Infants Administered Graded Doses of Aspartame. J Nutr 1983;113:1600-1606., Funded by: General Foods Corp.	✘
1984, Roak-Foltz and Leveille. Projected Aspartame Intake: Daily Ingestion of Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine, and Methanol. In: Stegink L, Filer L (eds). Aspartame: Physiology and Biochemistry, New York: Marcel Dekker Inc., 1984., Funded by: Searle	✘
1985, Sturtevant F. Does Aspartame Cause Methanol Toxicity. In: Wurtman and Ritter-Walker (eds). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston: Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 163-168., Funded by: Searle	✘
1985, Nehrling JK, Kobe P, McLane MP, et al. Aspartame Use by Persons with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1985;8:415-17., Funded by: Searle	✘
1985, Gaull GE. Aspartame and Seizures. Lancet 1985;2(8469-70):1431, Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1986, Torii K, Mimura T, Takasaki Y, Ichimura M. Dietary Aspartame with Protein on Plasma and Brain Amino Acids, Brain Monoamines and Behavior in Rats. Physiol Behav 1986;36(4):765-72., Funded by: Ajinomoto	✘
1986, Torii K, Mimura T, Takasaki Y, Ichimura M. Effect of Mealing on Plasma and Brain Amino Acid, and Brain Monoamine in Rats after Oral Aspartame. Physiol Behav 1986;36(4):759-64., Funded by: Ajinomoto	✘
1986, Szucs EF, Barrett KE, Metcalfe DD. The Effect of Aspartame on Mast Cells and Basophils. Food Chem Toxic 1986;24(2):171-174, Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1987, Schiffman SS, Buckley CE 3rd Sampson HA. Aspartame and Susceptibility to Headache. N Engl J Med 1987;317(19):1181-1185., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1987, Ryan-Harshman M, Leiter LA, Anderson GH. Phenylalanine and Aspartame Fail to Alter Feeding Behavior, Mood and Arousal in Men. Physiology and Behavior 1987;39:247-253., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1987, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Baker GL. Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Normal Adults Ingesting Aspartame and Monosodium L-Glutamate as Part of a Soup/Beverage Meal. Metabolism 1987;36(11):1073-1079., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1987, Cho ES, Coon JD, Stegink LD. Plasma and Urine Diketopiperazine Concentrations in Normal Adults Ingesting Large Quantities of Aspartame. Food Chem Toxicol 1987;25(7):499-504., Funded by: Searle	✘
1988, Kanders BS, Lavin PT, Kowalchuck M, et al. An Evaluation of the Effect of Aspartame on Weight Loss. Appetite 1988;Volume II(Suppl 1):73-84., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1988, Shaywitz, et. al. Effects of Aspartame on Seizures in Children. In: Wurtman, Ritter-Walker (eds.) Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston:Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 163-168., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1988, Leiter, et. al., Effects of Phenylalanine and Aspartame on Mealtime Food Intake and Behavior in Adult Males. In: Wurtman, Ritter-Walker (eds.) Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston:Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 296-299., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1988, Keybach and Allen, Resources for Inferential Estimates of Aspartame Intake in the United States. In: Wurtman, Ritter-Walker (eds.) Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston:Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 365-372., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1988, Jobe and Dailey. Role of Monoamines in Seizure Predisposition in the Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rat. In: Wurtmann and Ritter-Walker (eds.). Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Boston:Birkhauser, 1988, pp. 127-130., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1988, Horwitz DL, McLane M, Cobe P. Response to Single Dose of Aspartame or Saccharin by NIDDM Patients. Diabetes Care 1988;2:230-34., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, McAnulty PA, Collier MJ, Enticott J, et al. Absence of Development Effects in CFI Mice Exposed to Aspartame in Utero. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1989 Aug;13(2):296-302., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Reilly MA, Debler EA, Fleischer A. Lack of Effect of Chronic Aspartame Ingestion on Aminergic Receptors in Rat Brain. Biochem Pharmacol 1989;38(23):433904361., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Bell EF, Ziegler EE, Tephly TR. Effect of Repeated Ingestion of Aspartame-Sweetened Beverage on Plasma Amino Acid, Blood Methanol and Blood Formate Concentration in Normal Adults. Metabolism 1989;38(4):357-363., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Bell EF, et al. Repeated Ingestion of Aspartame-Sweetened Beverage: Effect on Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Individuals Heterozygous for Phenylketonuria. Metabolism 1989;38(1):78-84., Funded by: Searle	✘
1989, Gupta V, Cochran C, Parker TF, et al. Effect of Aspartame on Plasma Amino Acid Profiles of Diabetic Patients with Chronic Renal Failure. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;49:1302-6., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Leon AS, Hunninghake DB, Bell C, et al. Safety of Long-term Large Doses of Aspartame. Arch Intern Med 1989;149(10):2318-24., Funded by: Searle	✘
1989, Dailey JW, Lasley SM, Mishra PK, et al. Aspartame Fails to Facilitate Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Convulsions in CD-1 Mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1989;98:475-486., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Anderson GH, Saravis S, Schacher R. Zlotein S, Leiter LA et al. Aspartame: Effect on Lunch Time Food Intake Appetite and Hedonic Response in Children. Appetite 1989;13:93-103., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1989, Holder MD. Effects of Perinatal Exposure to Aspartame on Rat Pups. Neurotoxicology and Teratology 1989;11(1):1-6., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Cain DP, Boon F, Bevan M. Failure of Aspartame to Affect Seizure Susceptibility in Kindled Rats. Neuropharmacology 1989;28(4):433-435., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1989, Carlson HE, Shaw JH. Aspartame and its Constituent Amino Acids: Effect on Prolactin, Cortisol, Growth Hormone, Insulin and Glucose in Normal Humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;49(3):427-432, Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1990, Saravis S, Schachar R, Zlotkin S, Leiter LA, Anderson GH. Aspartame: Effects on Learning Behavior and Mood. Pediatrics 1990;86(1):75-83., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1990, Stegink LD, Filer LJ Jr, Bell EF, et al. Repeated Ingestion of Aspartame-Sweetened Beverages: Further Observations in Individuals Heterozygous for Phenylketonuria. Metabolism 1990;39(10):1076-1081., Funded by: Searle	✘
1990, Lapierre KA, Greenblatt DJ, Goddard JE, Harmatz JS, Shader RI. The Neuropsychiatric Effects of Aspartame in Normal Volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1990:30(5):454-460., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1990, Burns TS, Starget WW, Hurwitz A. Bioavailability of Phenylalanine and Aspartame from Aspartame (20 mg/kg) in Capsules and Solution. Metabolism 1990;39(11):1200-3, Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Koeppe RA, Shulkion BL, Rosenspire KC. Effect of Aspartame-Derived Phenylalanine on Neutral Amino Acid Uptake in Human Brain: A Positron Emission Tomography Study. J Neurochem 1991;1526-1535., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Garriga MM, Berkebile C, Metcalfe DD. A Combined Single - Blind, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Determine the Reproducibility of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Aspartame. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991 April;87(4):821-7., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1991, Mullenix PJ, Tassinari MS, Schunior A, Kernan WJ. No Change in Spontaneous Behavior of Rats After Oral Doses of Aspartame, Phenylalanine and Tyrosine. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1991; 16(3):495-505., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Moser RH. Aspartame. South Med J 1991;84(12):1509-10., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Daily JW, Lasley SM, Burger RL, et al. Amino Acids, Monoamines and Audiogenic Seizures in Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats: Effects of Aspartame. Epilepsy Res 1991;8:122-133., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH, Massoudi MS. In Vivo Tyrosine Hydroxylation in Rat Retina: Effect of Aspartame Ingestion in Rats Pretreated with P-Chlorophenylalanine. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53(4):923-9., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Burns TS, Stargel WW, Tschanz C, Kotsonis PN, Hurwitz A, et al. Aspartame and Sucrose Produce a Similar Increase in the Plasma Phenylalanine to Large Neutral Amino Acid Ratio in Healthy Subjects. Pharmacology 1991;43:210-219., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1991, Butchko HH, Kotsonis FN. Acceptable Daily Intake vs. Actual Intake: The Aspartame Example. J Am Coll Nutr 1991;10(3):258-266., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1992, Hjelle JJ, Dudley RE, Marietta MP, et al. Plasma Concentrations and Pharmacokinetics of Phenylalanine in Rats and Mice Administered Aspartame. Pharmacology 1992;44(1):48-60., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1993, Karstaedt PJ, Pincus JH. Aspartame Use in Parkinson's Disease. Neurology 1993;43(3 pt 1):611-613., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1993, Geha R, Buckley CE, Greenberger P, et al. Aspartame is no More Likely than Placebo to Cause Urticaria/Angioedema: Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1993;92:513-20., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1993, Hertelendy ZI, Mendenhall CL, Rouster SD, Marshall L, Weesner R. Biochemical and Clinical Effects of Aspartame in Patients with Chronic, Stable Alcoholic and Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1993;88(5):737-743., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Trefz F, deSonneville L, Matthis P, et al. Neuropsychological and Biochemical Investigations in Heterozygotes for Phenylketonuria During Ingestion of High Dose Aspartame. Human Genetics 1994;93:369-374., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Shaywitz BA., Anderson GM, Novotny EJ, et al. Aspartame has no Effect on Seizures or Epileptiform Discharges in E pileptic Children. Ann Neurol 1994;35:98-103., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Shaywitz BA, Sullivan CM, Anderson GM, et al. Aspartame, Behavior, and Cognitive Function in Children With Attention Deficit Disorder. Pediatrics 1994;93:70-75., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Wolraich Ml, Lindgren SD, Stumbo PJ, et al. Effects of Diets High in Sucrose or Aspartame on the Behavior and Cognitive Performance of Children. N Engl J Med 1994;330(5):301-307., Funded by: Intl. Life Sciences	✘
1994, Drewnowski A, Massein C, Louis-Syulvestre J, et al. Comparing the Effects of Aspartame and Sucrose on Motivational Ratings, Taste Preferences, and Energy Intakes in Humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:338-65., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Moser RH. Aspartame and Memory Loss. JAMA 1994;272(19):1543., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Butchko HH, et al. Postmarketing Surveillance of Food Additives. In: Nutritional Toxicology. Kotsonig, Machky and Jhelle, (eds.) New York: Raven Press Ltd. 1994., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1994, Drewnowski A, Massier C, Louis-Sylvestre J, et al. The Effects of Aspartame Versus Sucrose on Motivational Ratings, Taste Preferences, and Energy Intakes in Obese and Lean Women. International Journal of Obesity 1994;18:570-578., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘
1995, Rowan AJ, Shaywitz BA, Tuchman L, et al. Aspartame and Seizure Susceptibility: Results of a Clinical Study in Reportedly Sensitive Individuals. Epilepsia 1995:36(3):270-5., Funded by: Nutra sweet	✘