A. Lajtha, M. Reilly, D. Dunlop
Jun 1, 1994
Citations
1
Influential Citations
12
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
Abstract
Food additives have rarely been examined using neurochemical methodology for their effect on the nervous system. Often the blood-brain barrier was assumed to provide impenetrable protection, and effects on the brain were undetectable from animal behavior or brain histopathology studies. However, direct or indirect influences of nutritional elements on processes in the central nervous system can be significant, although sometimes subtle, just as nutritional deficiencies can have significant effects. Aspartame is unusual in that its possible central nervous system effects have been studied extensively-all food additives should undergo such rigorous testing. The recent studies are reviewed here. Aspartame (l-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a sweetener that is now in wide and frequent use. It was discovered by chance over 25 years ago and was first used as a food additive 13 years ago. Numerous studies have been made on various aspects of this compound, and the extensive literature includes observations on its absorption, metabolism, taste, structural analogs, effects on nutrition, etc. Much of the literature was summarized and discussed in the book Aspartame, ~ published in 1984. Because of the continuing interest and the large number of reports, additional reviews of aspartame studies have been published, -~ " and a recent book discusses many aspects of the effects of phenylalanine (including aspartame-derived phenylalanine) on the nervous system2 Several reviewers have raised concerns in regard to potential or anecdotal interactions? " Although brain function is well protected from the influence of nutritional variations, as demonstrated by the tolerance of the brain to the diversity of the human diet, it has become increasingly evident that it is necessary to examine the effects