How does aspartame affect children’s behavior?

The FDA, the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association agree that aspartame is safe for children and adolescents to consume as part of a healthful, well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. Studies have shown that aspartame consumption does not affect the behavior of children, including those diagnosed as hyperactive or with attention deficit disorder. A new England Journal of Medicine study with pre-school and elementary school children showed that large doses of aspartame did not effect their moods, activity levels, behavior or thinking.

It should be noted, however, that aspartame is not intended for use by infants and very young children. Even though studies show that infants and young children digest and handle even large amounts of aspartame in the same way as adults, children this age need lots of energy for proper growth and development and should not be restricted in caloric intake. For older children, parents should supervise the consumption of all foods, whether or not they contain aspartame, to ensure they are eating a balanced diet.