Tag: Aspartame metabolism

Over 6,000 food products contain aspartame, and when it is ingested, the sweetener breaks down into its constituent parts in the gastrointestinal tract. The resulting chemical components are referred to as the aspartame related compound, along with other key metabolites.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), studies confirm that the breakdown of aspartame in the gut is both rapid and complete. The answer to "Does aspartame get broken down?" is a definitive yes, but what it becomes and how the body handles these byproducts is a matter of considerable scientific interest and public discussion.

Over five decades ago, aspartame was discovered, and since then, questions about its safety and processing have persisted. The simple answer to "Can your body break down aspartame?" is yes, but the process is more nuanced than with natural sugars.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar. When consumed, it is completely broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, so the original molecule does not enter the bloodstream.