No indication of histological changes in embryonic somatosensory cortex development upon maternal aspartame consumption in mice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Non-nutritive sweeteners are widely used in multiple diets and are considered a healthy alternative for pregnant women reducing sugar consumption, thereby preventing maternal obesity and gestational diabetes. While some controversies have been raised regarding their safety for human consumption, particularly aspartame, the effects of aspartame on prenatal brain development have rarely been studied. In this study, we investigated whether maternal aspartame consumption within a physiologically relevant range for normal daily consumption by humans affects neocortical development in mice. Here we show that daily maternal aspartame consumption at 18% of the European Food Safety Authority-approved daily dosage does not significantly alter the structure of the somatosensory cortex, nor the numbers of excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes in mouse pups less than 48 hours old. These results suggest that aspartame has no detectable impact on somatosensory cortex development in mice. This study provides additional information that can be utilized by expectant mothers making choices about their diet.
Source: npj Science of Food
Authors: Liliia Andriichuk, Takashi Namba
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
Funders: ERA-Net NEURON, Helsingin Yliopisto, Academy of Finland, Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö, Fujita Health University, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Helsingin Yliopisto, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology
OpenAlex ID: W7119106034