Ask the Diva: Is Phenylalanine a Better Artificial Sweetener?
Not sure what your zero-calorie beverage contains? Nutrition Diva clears up all the confusion.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I see a lot of flavored, zero-calorie beverages that contain phenylalanine. Is that an artificial sweetener? Is it a better choice than aspartame?
Answer. Phenylalanine is not a sweetener (it’s actually an amino acid), but it’s found in the artificial sweetener aspartame, aka Equal and Nutrasweet. For most people, phenylalanine is perfectly harmless—in fact, it’s an essential nutrient. But people with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria cannot metabolize this amino acid and must avoid it. Products sweetened with aspartame are required to carry a warning for phenylketonurics, reminding them that the product contains phenylalanine.
In other words, when the label states that a product contains phenylalanine, you can be sure that you’ll find aspartame listed in the ingredient list.
See also:
Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners
All About Stevia
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.