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Current Nutrition & Food Science

Author(s): Arbind K. Choudhary* and Yeong Y. Lee

DOI: 10.2174/1573401314666181016124250

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Mechanistic Insights into Aspartame-induced Immune Dysregulation

Page: [653 - 661] Pages: 9

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Abstract

Background & Objective: Aspartame, (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a widely used artificial sweetener but studies raise safety concerns regarding the use of aspartame metabolites especially methanol. In this review, we aimed to provide mechanistic insights that may explain aspartame-induced immune dysregulation.

Findings: While evidence is limited, from the available literature, possible mechanisms for immune dysfunction associated with aspartame include (1) alterations in bidirectional communication between neuro-immune-endocrine responses (2) disruption of the brain-gut-microbiota-immune axis (3) induction of oxidative stress in immune cells and organs and lastly (4) the immune-activation effect of methanol.

Conclusion: Further studies are needed to confirm above proposed mechanisms that may explain aspartame- induce immune dysregulation.

Keywords: Aspartame, guts dysbiosis, immune regulation, oxidative stress, methanol, phenylalanine.

Graphical Abstract

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