Re the question on Nutra Sweet(Aspartame)

        Aspartame is produced by binding  two normal amino
acids(phenylalanine and aspartic acid)  together with a rather weak bond.
These amino acids are ubiquitous and are present in all proteins,
particularly hamburger and breastmilk.  Once ingested into the GI tract
aspartame is rapidly cleaved and provides pure phenylalanine, and asparatic
acid prior to absorption by the intestinal mucosa.   Most proteins are
hydrolyzed to their individual amino acids prior to absorption.   The only
contraindication to using aspartame would be in an infant with
phenylketonuria.   I have never seen it published where aspartame was
absorbed uncleaved,  and in its  synthetic state.


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T.W. Hale, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Texas Tech University School of Medicine

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