Abstract
The purpose of the present chapter is to review what actual evidence exists on the relationship between aspartame and behavior in children. Nine challenge studies employing about 10 mg/kg of aspartame found no difference in children’s behavior or cognitive performance challenged with aspartame or sugar (sucrose or fructose). One study found no effect even with a larger dose of 30 mg/kg. These studies do not support a concern that aspartame has adverse effects on the behavior of children, but they were limited because they only examined short-term effects. The effects of chronic ingestion of large doses of aspartame remains unknown.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Behar, D., Rapoport, J., Adams, A., Berg, C., and Cornbath, M. (1984). Sugar challenge testing with children considered behaviorally “sugar reactive.” J. Nutr. Behav. 1:277–288.
Conners, C.K. (1983). The effect of sucrose, fructose, and aspartame on behavior, cognitive performance, and brain function in hospitalized children. Final report of a project supported by the Sugar Association, Washington, D.C., October.
Ferguson, H.B., Stoddart, C., and Simeon, J.G. (1986). Double blinded challenge studies of behavioral and cognitive effects of sucrose-aspartame ingestion in normal children. Nutr. Rev. 44:144–150.
Goldman, J.A., Lerman, R.H., Contois, J.H., and Udall, J.N. (1984). The behavior of preschool children following ingestion of sucrose. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Canada.
Gross, M. (1984). Effect of sucrose on hyperkinetic children. Pediatrics 74:876–878.
Kruesi, M., Rapoport, J.L., Cummings, E.M., Berg, C., Ismond, D., Zahn-Waxler, C., Flament, M., and Yarrow, M. (1986). Aspartame and children’s behavior. In International Aspartame Workshop Proceedings, Nov. 17-21, 1986, Aspartame Technical Committee, International Life Sciences Institute-Nutrition Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Mahan, L.K., Chase, M., Furukawa, C.T., Shapiro, G.G., Pierson, W.E., and Bierman, W. (1984). Sugar “allergy” and children’s behavior. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Washington, D.C.
Milich, R., and Pelham, W.E. (1986). The effects of sugar ingestion on the classroom and playgroup behavior of attention deficit disordered boys. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 54:714–718.
Pardridge, W.M. (1986). The safety of aspartame. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 256:2678.
Ulimann, P.K., and Sleator, E.K. (1986). Responders, nonresponders, and placebo responders among children with attention deficit disorder. Clin. Pediatr. 25:594–599.
Wolraich, M.L. (1977). Stimulant drug therapy in hyperactive children: research and clinical implications. Pediatrics 60:512–518.
Wolraich, M.L., Milich, R., Stumbo, P., and Schultz, F. (1985). Effects of sucrose ingestion on the behavior of hyperactive boys. J. Pediatr. 106:675–681.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1988 Birkhäuser Boston
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Wolraich, M.L. (1988). Aspartame and Behavior in Children. 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_24
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9821-3_24
Publisher Name: Birkhäuser Boston
Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-9823-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-9821-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive