Neotame

Neotame is a non-caloric artificial sweetener and flavor enhancer used in food and beverage products. It is produced by Nutrasweet, a former division of Monsanto. Neotame is approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), making it the most potent sweetener marketed to date.

Chemistry

Neotame is a derivative of the dipeptide composed of the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine. The components of neotame are joined together to form a uniquely sweet ingredient. Neotame is rapidly metabolized and fully eliminated by the body.

Regulation

Neotame was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2002. It is also approved for use in the European Union, Australia, and many other countries around the world. The FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for neotame at 18 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Uses

Neotame is used in a variety of food and beverage products, including soft drinks, desserts, yogurt, chewing gum, and baked goods. It is also used as a flavor enhancer in certain products. Because of its high potency, only small amounts of neotame are needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

Health Effects

The safety of neotame has been confirmed by regulatory authorities worldwide. However, like all artificial sweeteners, it has been the subject of controversy and misinformation. Some critics claim that neotame can cause health problems, but these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.

See Also

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin
• Acesulfame potassium