EFFECT OF ASPARTAME ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS

ABSTRACT

Aspartame (Laspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, ASP) is one of the most widely used nonnutritive sweeteners, widespread in over 90 countries in about 6000 products and its 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Aspartame produces it's effect through its metabolites, phenylalanine and aspartic acid which are both metabolite found in natural proteins and under normal circumstances are beneficial, if not essential for human health. This study aims to investigate the effect of aspartame on hematological parameters and inflammatory markers in female Sprague Dawley rats. Throughout the study, a total of twenty (20) female Sprague Dawley rats were used. Following a two-week acclimatization period, the rats were segregated into two primary groups: the control group, consisting of five (5) rats (n=5), which received standard feed and water, and the test group, further divided into three subgroups, each containing 5 rats (n=5). These subgroups were categorized by the dosage of aspartame administered: Low dose (LD - 50mg), Mid dose (MD - 75mg), and High dose (HD - 100mg). The test groups were subjected to aspartame administration for a duration of 10 weeks, while the entire experiment spanned 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected post-administration through cardiac puncture and abdominal aorta and stored in EDTA bottles. Data was analyzed using graphpad statistical software version 9.5 and results analyzed were presented in mean ‡sem. a T test was used to compare the control and each experimental group. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed no statistical significant difference in any of the groups compared with control for inflammatory marker (C reactice protein) as well as hematological parameters excluding white blood cell and its indices. In this study, there was an increase in the white blood cell count. The increases were more prominent in groups that were administered the 50mg/kg and 75mg/kg of Aspartame. There was no significant difference in all the hematological parameters in rats administered low, mid and high dose of ASP, apart from white blood cell count, eosinophil and monocyte levels. No significant difference was seen in C Reactive protein in blood suggesting that the level of inflammation was not strong enough to cause an increase in its levels. Even though this study was carried out in rats, there is need for caution to be applied in the consumption of aspartame.