Aspartame and Phenylketonuria: an analysis of the daily phenylalanine intake of aspartame-containing drugs marketed in France.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder in which especially high phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations cause brain dysfunction. If untreated, this brain dysfunction results in severe microcephaly, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems. Dietary restriction of Phe is the mainstay of PKU treatment, with long-term successful outcomes. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener sometimes added into medications, is metabolized in the gut into Phe. Then, patients suffering from PKU on a Phe-restricted diet should avoid consumption of aspartame. The aim of our study was to evaluate the number of drugs containing aspartame and/or Phe as an excipient, and to quantify their corresponding Phe intake.

Methods

The list of drugs marketed in France containing a

SUBMITTER: Maler V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10249154 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature