Definition: Aspartame is a man-made sweetener that contains almost no calories and can be used in place of sugar. The number of calories in a food or beverage can be reduced by the use of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
Aspartame is a compound of two amino acids -- aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Those who have a disease called phenylketonuria cannot metabolize phenylalanine normally and should avoid it.
A variety of beverages and other products containing aspartame in the place of sugar are available. It is best known as the brand name NutraSweet.
Common Misspellings: aspertame
Examples:
Switching from a regular soda to iced tea sweetened with aspartame helped April cut 150 calories from her daily diet.
