3 replies to this topic

[neuralis]

On wikipedia it says that at PH level 7 it has half life on 300 days. But that doesn't say anything how fast it is broken down in body. I'm wondering if there could be any cumulative effect of chronic aspartame intake.

 

PS. I would never touch this retched stuff myself, but my gf chugs on those diet cokes like there is no tomorrow. 

[Chupo]

This study says 3.5 - 3.9 hours.

[Darryl]

Aspartame is hydrolyzed to its constituent amino acids (aspartate and phenylalanine) and methanol prior to entering the portal circulation. 

 

For the kinetics of these and other amino acids (generally 3 hour peaks or troughs), see: 

 

Stegink, L. D., Filer Jr, L. J., & Baker, G. L. (1977). Effect of aspartame and aspartate loading upon plasma and erythrocyte free amino acid levels in normal adult volunteers. The Journal of nutrition, 107(10), 1837-1845.

 

Most interesting is the significant decrease of branched chain amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine) observed. As hypothalamic mTORC1 activation by leucine is a major pathway for protein induced satiety, perhaps this accounts for the greater risk of weight gain and metabolic disorders among frequent consumers of artificial sweeteners.

 

And yes, that does effect brain levels.

 

Yokogoshi, H., Roberts, C. H., Caballero, B., & Wurtman, R. J. (1984). Effects of aspartame and glucose administration on brain and plasma levels of large neutral amino acids and brain 5-hydroxyindoles. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 40(1), 1-7.

 

The aspartame-glucose combination also reduced brain levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine to a significantly greater extent than aspartame or glucose alone. These observations indicate that high aspartame doses can generate major neurochemical changes in rats, especially when consumed along with carbohydrate-containing foods.

 

As for the methanol, it hangs around for days. but the amount is much smaller than from natural foods like fruit juices.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Darryl, 04 February 2015 - 05:48 PM.

[Luminosity]

For me the acute reactions to it don't last that long, but other manifestations can go on for months.  Diet sodas can cause MS in some people.