Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many low-calorie and sugar-free products, like diet sodas and gum. It’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed to achieve the same sweetness, reducing calorie content. Composed of amino acids—phenylalanine and aspartic acid—it's generally considered safe for most people when consumed within established daily limits. However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic condition, must avoid aspartame because they cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine. Regulatory agencies worldwide have reviewed the evidence and approved aspartame’s safety for the general population.