Abstract
Although aspartame is widely used, and generally considered safe, there is evidence that it has an effect on monoamine metabolism which could theoretically lower seizure threshold. Eight cases are presented in whom it would appear likely that seizures were induced by ingestion of this artificial sweetener. Clinicians are urged to take into account the possible role of aspartame when evaluating patients with seizures, or with disorders in which alterations in catecholamine and indolea-mine metabolism have been implicated.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Blundell, J.E., and Hill, A.J. (1986). Paradoxical effects of an intense sweetener (aspartame) on appetite. Lancet i: 1092–1093.
Bradstock, M.K., Serdula, M.K., Marks, J.S., Barnard, R.J., Crane, N.T., Remington, P.L., and Trowbridge, F. (1986). Evaluation of reactions to food additives: the aspartame experience. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 43:464–469.
Council on Scientific Affairs (1985). Aspartame: review of safety issues. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 254:400–402.
Drake, M.E. (1986). Panic attacks and excessive aspartame ingestion. Lancet ii:631.
Horwitz, D.L., and Bauer-Nehrling, J.K. (1983). Can aspartame meet our expectations? J. Am. Diet Assoc. 83:142–146.
Walton, R.G. (1986). Seizure and mania after high intake of aspartame. Psycho-somatics 27:218–220.
Wurtman, R.J. (1983). Neurochemical changes following high-dose aspartame with dietary carbohydrates. N. Engl. J. Med. 309:429–430.
Wurtman, R.J. (1985): Aspartame: possible effects on seizure susceptibility. Lancet ii: 1060.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1988 Birkhäuser Boston
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Walton, R.G. (1988). The Possible Role of Aspartame in Seizure Induction. In: Wurtman, R.J., Ritter-Walker, E. (eds) Dietary Phenylalanine and Brain Function. Birkhäuser Boston. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9821-3_18
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9821-3_18
Publisher Name: Birkhäuser Boston
Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-9823-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-9821-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive