Aspartame is a low calorie sweetener used in over 90 countries and in over 6000 products. This review analyses the scientific literature on the metabolism, absorption, consumption and safety of aspartame. The studies provide no evidence to support an association between aspartame and cancer. Existing evidence shows that aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption.

The role of low calorie sweeteners in cancer risk has been debated over the last few decades. This review examines data from a large number of case-control studies. The studies indicate a lack of evidence to support an association between low calorie sweeteners and the risk of cancer.

Studies on the intakes of low calorie sweeteners in different countries indicate that the average intakes of acesulfame-k, aspartame, cyclamate and saccharin by adults are below the relevant acceptable daily intake (ADI) values. There has not been a significant change in the intakes of sweeteners in recent years.

Over 20 years have passed since aspartame was approved by regulatory agencies as a low calorie sweetener. The safety of aspartame was established through extensive safety studies. This review analyses the scientific research on aspartame, including evaluations of possible associations with headaches, allergies, behaviour and mood. It concludes that, when all research is examined, it is clear that aspartame is safe.

This review examines the scientific studies on aspartame in the postmarketing period. The weight of evidence confirms that, even in amounts many times what people typically consume, aspartame is safe.

The acceptable daily intake of saccharin is consistent with the absence of an association between saccharin and bladder cancer in humans.

This review analyses the data on each sweetener (aspartame, acesulfame-k, cyclamate and saccharin) that are the basis for establishing the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for humans.