Bone loss, also called osteopenia and osteoporosis, is a condition where the bones in your body are demineralizing and are at higher risk for fractures. Your level of bone mineral density, or amount of bone loss, is what determines if you are diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Osteopenia is the first step towards osteoporosis and affects close to half of all Americans over the age of 50. Aspartame is a non-caloric sweetener recognized by the brand names Equal and Nutrasweet. While many people may complain about the use of artificial sweeteners, this particular one has some benefits when it comes to prevention of bone loss.
Aspartame
According to the National Institutes of Health, aspartame is a non-caloric sweetener that is actually a combination of two amino acids -- phenylalanine and aspartic acid. As a non-caloric sweetener, it provides no added calories to your diet; however, it does provide that sweet taste. As a matter-of-fact, aspartame is 220 times sweeter than standard sugar. According to the National Institutes of Health, some people have reported side effects after consuming aspartame; however, there are no proven scientific studies to support any side effects related to its consumption except in patients diagnosed with phenylketonuria, a birth defect resulting in the inability to break down phenylalanine.
Aspartic Acid
Aspartic acid, also known as asparaginic acid, is a nonessential amino acid, meaning that your body makes it, and it does not need to be supplied through dietary consumption. Aspartic acid works with every cell in the body and plays a role in hormone production and release as well as normal function of the nervous system. It can be found in dietary sources such as soybeans, lentils, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, beef, eggs, salmon and shrimp.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid, but unlike aspartic acid, it is an essential amino acid. This means it is necessary for health but the body is unable to make it on its own, so it must be acquired through the diet. Phenylalanine, or L-phenylalanine, can be found in most protein foods such as beef, poultry, pork, milk, eggs, cheese and soy products. Phenylalanine can also be found in supplement form, though it can interact with certain medications. You should consult your physician before beginning supplementation. Individuals diagnosed with phenylketonuria need to limit their intake of the amino acid.
Medical Research
While artificial sweeteners are usually looked at for their possible negative side effects, aspartame appears to hold health benefits. In a 2011 study published in "Rheumatology," researchers from Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies in San Diego, California, looked at the connection between aspartame and its protective effects against bone loss and osteoarthritis in mice. What they discovered was that oral administration of aspartame significantly delayed the onset of osteoarthritis and improved bone and muscle mass, even in mice that already had established osteoarthritis. They concluded that the use of aspartame provided improvement in bone mass and might improve the quality of life in patients with bone loss. However, this remains to be demonstrated in humans.
References
- "Harvard Health Letter"; Osteopenia: When You Have Weak Bones, But Not Osteoporosis; October 2003
- MedlinePlus; Sweeteners; May 3, 2009
- MedlinePlus; Aspartic Acid; February 8, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Phenylalanine; June 8, 2009
- MedlinePlus; Phenylketonuria; May 27, 2009
- "Rheumatology"; Dietary Aspartyl-phenylalanine-1-methyl Ester Delays Osteoarthritis and Prevents Associated Bone Loss in STR/ORT mice; CV Manion, et al.; July 2011
