Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in many foods and beverages. It is made up of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are bound together by a peptide bond. Aspartame was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and is currently approved for use in over 100 countries worldwide. Aspartame works by stimulating the sweet taste receptors on the tongue. These receptors are located in the taste buds and are responsible for detecting sweet tastes in the foods and beverages we consume. When aspartame is consumed, it binds to these sweet taste receptors and activates them, which sends a signal to the brain that a sweet taste has been detected. The activation of the sweet taste receptors by aspartame is similar to the way that sugar activates these receptors. However, unlike sugar, aspartame does not provide any calories or increase blood sugar levels. This makes aspartame a popular sugar substitute for people who are trying to control their calorie intake or manage their blood sugar levels. The breakdown of aspartame in the body occurs through a process called hydrolysis, which is the chemical breakdown of a compound through the addition of water. When Aspartame is consumed, it is broken down into its constituent amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. It is used by the body to produce a number of important molecules, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that are involved in regulating mood, attention, and energy levels. Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, which means that it can be produced by the body. It is involved in a number of metabolic processes, including the production of energy and the synthesis of other amino acids. One concern that has been raised about aspartame is that it contains phenylalanine, which can be harmful to people with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a condition in which the body is unable to properly metabolize phenylalanine, which can lead to a buildup of this amino acid in the blood and brain. This can cause intellectual disability, seizures, and other neurological problems. However, Aspartame is considered safe for people with PKU because the amount of phenylalanine in aspartame is relatively small and is not usually enough to cause problems in people with PKU who are following a low-phenylalanine diet. In addition to its use as a sugar substitute, aspartame is also used in a number of other food and beverage products, including chewing gum, yogurt, and breakfast cereals. It is also used in some medications, such as cough drops and antacids. Overall, Aspartame works by stimulating the sweet taste receptors on the tongue, which sends a signal to the brain that a sweet taste has been detected. It is broken down into its constituent amino acids in the body and is considered safe for most people, including those with PKU, when consumed in moderation.
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