Aspartame

Aspartame is a non saccharine sweetener that is popularly used as a sugar substitute. It is nearly 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Those who are looking for low-calorie diets take aspartame instead of sugar as it gives negligible amount of calories, for the small amounts used. Those who suffer from Phenylketonuria (PKU) , a genetic error which makes them unable to metabolize Phenylalanine effectively must not consume aspartame. Some cough suppressant syrups contain Aspartame which may break down and form Phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is not made in the body but can be acquired from milk, cheese, yogurt, meat and eggs. Phenylalanine is essential to forming neurotransmitters associated with mental alertness, mood and appetite.