Advantame

E969 is used in a wide variety of food categories as a tabletop sweetener, non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, dairy products, confectionery, chewing gum, breakfast cereals, and baked goods.

In the Spanish market, it is found in light soft drinks, low-calorie yogurts, sugar-free jellies, sugar-free chewing gum, and tabletop sweeteners in powder or liquid form. Regulation EC 1333/2008 sets maximum limits that vary by category: for example, in non-alcoholic beverages up to 6 mg/L, in desserts up to 10 mg/kg, and in tabletop sweeteners up to 30 mg/kg. Comparatively, the FDA approved Advantame in 2014 with similar uses, while Japan authorized it in 2013.

In the EU, its use is restricted to certain categories and always within established limits to ensure safety.

Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and WHO have not documented significant adverse effects in humans within the established ADI. No carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic effects have been observed in animals.

The biological mechanism of its metabolism is similar to that of aspartame: it is hydrolyzed in the intestine to phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol, but in much smaller amounts due to its high potency. Sensitive populations include people with phenylketonuria, who should avoid any source of phenylalanine, although the amount present in products with Advantame is minimal. No interactions with medications have been reported.

The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that E969 is safe for human consumption under authorized conditions of use. No side effects such as headaches or allergic reactions have been documented, unlike other sweeteners.

In summary, the safety profile is excellent and there is no evidence of health risks for the general population.

• Advantamo
• Advantame