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Aspartame has no effect on seizures or epileptiform discharges in epileptic children
B A Shaywitz1, G M Anderson, E J Novotny
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Insights
Aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) did not provoke seizures in children with epilepsy. This randomized, double-blind study found no significant neurological or behavioral differences between APM and placebo.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) is a widely used artificial sweetener.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential neurological effects, particularly in vulnerable populations like children with epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aspartame on the neurological status of children with well-documented seizures.
- To determine if aspartame consumption alters seizure activity, EEG patterns, or behavior in this population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 10 children (ages 5-13) with epilepsy.
- Participants received either APM or placebo for two weeks, followed by a crossover period.
- Evaluations included standard and 24-hour EEG, biochemical analyses, seizure monitoring, and behavioral rating scales (STESS, Conners).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in standard or 24-hour EEG between APM and placebo groups.
- No significant differences were noted in seizure frequency, STESS, or Conners behavior ratings.
- Biochemical measures remained largely unchanged, except for expected increases in phenylalanine and tyrosine after APM ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Aspartame (APM) does not appear to provoke seizures or negatively impact neurological status in children with epilepsy.
- Findings suggest aspartame is safe concerning seizure activity in this specific pediatric population.
Abstract:
The effects of aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; APM) on the neurological status of children with well-documented seizures were examined in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. We report on 10 children (5 boys, 5 girls, ages 5-13 yr) who were tested for 2 weeks each on APM and placebo (single morning dose, 34 mg/kg). Seven children had generalized convulsions with 4 also having absence episodes. One child had absence seizures and 2 had complex partial seizures only. On each arm of the study, children were admitted to the hospital for a standard 21-lead electroencephalogram (EEG), continuous 24-hour cassette EEG, and determination of biochemical variables in plasma and urine. Subjects completed the Subjects Treatment Emergent Symptoms Scale (STESS) and parents the Conners Behavior Rating Scale. There were no significant differences between APM and placebo in the standard EEG or 24-hour EEG. No differences were noted for the STESS or the Conners ratings, and no differences were noted for any of the biochemical measures (except for expected increases in phenylalanine and tyrosine after APM). Our findings indicate that, in this group of vulnerable children, APM does not provoke seizures.