Aspartame study to begin

Monday 22 June 2009

The Food Standards Agency is to begin a new study looking at aspartame. The research will focus on people who have reported bad reactions to the artificial sweetener.

Aspartame is being linked anecdotally by some people to different conditions, including headaches and upset stomachs.

Andrew Wadge, Chief Scientist at the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘This research is not to test the safety of aspartame – that is already established. The study will address consumer concerns, including anecdotal reports that have linked a range of conditions to aspartame.

‘The Agency’s view remains that aspartame can be consumed safely and we are not recommending any changes to its current use. However, we know that some people consider they react badly to consuming this sweetener so we think it is important to increase our knowledge about what is happening.’

This pilot study will start next month and could be used to inform the design and feasibility of a larger scale study that could be done at the European level.* The Agency expects the pilot study to take 18 months and is currently in the process of identifying volunteers who are interested in taking part. Prospective participants should email aspartame@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk to register their interest and obtain further information.

The Agency hopes to publish the results early in 2011.

* This content has been edited since original publication.