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Aspartame, behavior, and cognitive function in children with attention deficit disorder
B A Shaywitz1, C M Sullivan, G M Anderson
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Insights
Large doses of aspartame did not affect behavior or cognition in children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). This study found no impact on cognitive function or behavior in ADD children consuming aspartame.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in many food products.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of artificial sweeteners on behavior and cognition, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-dose aspartame consumption on behavior and cognitive function in children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.
- To examine the impact of aspartame on monoamine metabolism in children with ADD.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving unmedicated children meeting DSM-III criteria for ADD.
- Children received either aspartame (34 mg/kg) or placebo for 2-week periods.
- Behavioral assessments, cognitive tests, and biochemical analyses (including amino acids, methanol, formate, serotonin, and monoamine metabolites) were conducted.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in behavioral ratings (STESS, MIT, Conners) or cognitive test performance (MFFT, CCT, WCST, Airplane Test) were observed between the aspartame and placebo groups.
- Biochemical analyses revealed no significant differences, apart from the expected increase in plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels after aspartame administration.
- Urinary excretion rates of catecholamines and monoamine metabolites remained unaffected by aspartame consumption.
Conclusions:
- Aspartame, even at doses significantly exceeding typical consumption levels (over 10 times), does not appear to adversely affect the cognitive or behavioral status of children with attention deficit disorder.
- The study suggests that aspartame does not alter monoamine metabolism or its urinary excretion products in children with ADD.
Objective:
To determine the effects of large doses of aspartame on behavior, cognition, and monoamine metabolism in children with attention deficit disorder.
Design:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of unmedicated children meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed) criteria for attention deficit disorder.
Setting:
Behavioral assessments were performed in the child's home by their parents and in the classroom by a teacher. Cognitive tests were administered and blood drawing was performed during a 2-day inpatient admission to our Children's Study Center.
Interventions:
Administration of aspartame (single morning dose, 34 mg/kg) or placebo for alternate 2-week periods.
Main Outcome Measures:
Behavioral and cognitive tests included the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT), Children's Checking Task (CCT), the Airplane Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Subjects Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (STESS), the Multigrade Inventory for Teachers (MIT), and the Conners Behavior Rating Scale. Blood was drawn for complete blood cell count and liver function tests, as well as amino acid, methanol, formate, serotonin, and monoamine metabolite analyses, and urine was collected for measurement of catecholamine and monoamine metabolite excretion.
Results:
No clinically significant differences between aspartame and placebo were found for the STESS, MIT, or Conners ratings, or for the MFFT, CCT, WCST, or Airplane cognition tests. Also, no differences were noted for any of the biochemical measures, except for the expected increase in plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine following aspartame.
Conclusions:
The findings indicate that aspartame at greater than 10 times usual consumption has no effect on the cognitive and behavioral status of children with attention deficit disorder. In addition, aspartame does not appear to affect urinary excretion rates of monoamines and metabolites.