The biological properties of aspartame. III. Examination for endocrine-like activities.

A series of studies with aspartame were run in mice, rats and rabbits using standard procedures to characterize possible estrogenic, androgenic, progestational and glucocorticoid activities. Aspartame was administered orally at levels (ca 300 mg/kg/day) substantially in excess of expected maximal human intake when used as a sweetening agent. No significant hormone-mimetic response was observed in the endocrine target organs evaluated. In similar studies, when administered simultaneously with the steroid hormones, it did not reduce the response expected with the steroid. Thus, it was concluded that ingestion of aspartame should not produce any estrogenic, androgenic, progestational or glucocorticoid-like effects. Further, it should not alter the actions of the endogeneous steroid hormones.