Aspartame is used in many sugar-free and calorie-reduced products.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) last evaluated aspartame in 2013.
At the time, the authority concluded that there was no health risk associated with intake below the recommended limit of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
EFSA is currently reviewing new research on several sweeteners, including aspartame.
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What the study indicates
In a new study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, researchers examined how very small amounts of aspartame affect mice.
The test animals were given a dose corresponding to one-sixth of the maximum recommended daily intake for humans.
The study showed that even this low dose was associated with changes in several important bodily functions.
The researchers observed effects on heart function, memory, and body composition in the mice.
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However, the study does not document that humans are affected in the same way.
The results therefore do not change the current recommendations but contribute new knowledge that may be included in the ongoing assessment of the substance.
Sources: Woman, Illustreret Videnskab, and Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
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