Aspartame use and Parkinson's disease: review of associated effects on neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and cognition.

Objective: The purpose of this review was to assess the current evidence regarding the associated physiological and cognitive effects of aspartame (APM) consumption and Parkinson's Disease (PD). METHODS: A total of 32 studies demonstrating effects of APM on monoamine deficiencies, oxidative stress, and cognitive changes were reviewed. RESULTS: Multiple studies demonstrated decreased brain dopamine, decreased brain norepinephrine, increased oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased memory function in rodents after APM use. In addition, PD animal models have been found to be more sensitive to the effects of APM. DISCUSSION: Overall, studies of APM use over time yielded more consistent results; however, no study has examined long-term effects on APM in human PD patients. Based on the current evidence, long-term human based observational research is needed to further investigate the potential effect of APM on PD.