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Aspartame and susceptibility to headache
S S Schiffman1, C E Buckley, H A Sampson
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, N.C. 27710.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|November 5, 1987
Summary
This study found that aspartame is unlikely to cause headaches. In a double-blind trial, aspartame did not significantly increase headache incidence compared to a placebo.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener.
- Anecdotal reports link aspartame consumption to headaches.
- Scientific evidence on aspartame-induced headaches remains inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between aspartame consumption and headache development.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of aspartame challenges in individuals reporting aspartame-associated headaches.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted.
- Forty subjects with a history of aspartame-related headaches were challenged with aspartame (30 mg/kg body weight) or placebo.
- Headache incidence, other symptoms, vital signs, and plasma catecholamine levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- Headache incidence was not significantly different between aspartame (35%) and placebo (45%) groups (P > 0.50).
- No serious adverse reactions were observed, and other symptoms were comparable between groups.
- Lower pre-headache plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were noted in subjects who developed headaches.
Conclusions:
- Aspartame consumption is unlikely to be a significant trigger for headaches in the studied population.
- The study did not detect adverse effects of aspartame on vital signs or key hormones.
- Further research may explore the role of catecholamines in headache pathophysiology.