Chemical Properties
White Solid
Usage
A labelled alkylated dipeptide reported to be 6000 to 10000 times sweeter than sucrose; structurally related to Aspartame. A non-nutritive sweetener.
Usage
An alkylated dipeptide reported to be 6000 to 10000 times sweeter than sucrose; structurally related to Aspartame. A non-nutritive sweetener.
Definition
ChEBI: A dipeptide composed of N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-aspartic acid and methyl L-phenylalanate units joined by a peptide linkage.
Preparation
Neotame is manufactured by the reaction of aspartame and 3,3-dimethylbutyraldehyde, followed by purification, drying
and milling
Production Methods
Neotame is manufactured by the reaction of aspartame and 3,3-
dimethylbutyraldehyde, followed by purification, drying, and
milling.
benefits
Neotame is sweet. 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar.
It has no unwanted off-taste or aftertaste that many other sweeteners is burden with.
Neotame does not contribute energy (0 kcal), does not affect blood sugar levels (glycaemic index GI is 0) and does not cause caries.
Compared to aspartame, it is cheaper and has several food technology advantages.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Neotame is a water-soluble, nonnutritive, intense sweetening agent
used in beverages and foods. It is structurally related to aspartame
and is about 7000–13 000 times sweeter than sucrose, and about
30–60 times sweeter than aspartame, making it the sweetest
artificial sweetener available. Neotame is said to have a ‘clean’
sweet taste in contrast to the bitter, metallic aftertaste associated
with saccharin. Although neotame has approximately the same
caloric value as sucrose (1.2 kJ/g) the small quantities used to
achieve a desired level of sweetness in a formulation mean that it is
essentially nonnutritive.
Neotame may be used in sub-sweetening quantities as a flavor
enhancer, e.g. with mint or strawberry flavor.
Safety
Neotame is a nonnutritive intense sweetening agent used in
beverages and foods. Studies in animals and humans have shown
that neotame is a relatively nontoxic, nonteratogenic, and
noncarcinogenic substance. It is reported as safe for use during
pregnancy and lactation, and by children and persons with diabetes.
At least 30% of ingested neotame is rapidly absorbed. Neotame
is metabolized to de-esterified neotame and methanol, with
practically all neotame being eliminated from the body in the urine
and feces. Peak plasma concentrations of neotame are observed at approximately 30–60 minutes after ingestion. Human studies in
healthy and diabetic patients suggest that neotame is well-tolerated
at doses up to 1.5 mg/kg body-weight daily (the highest dose
studied). Following reviews of over 100 animal and human toxicity
studies the European Food Safety Authority and WHO have
established an acceptable daily intake for neotame at up to 2 mg/kg
body-weight.
Metabolism
In the body, neotame is broken down rapidly and completely.
The residual products are de-esterified neotame (92 per cent) and methanol (8 per cent).
80 per cent have left the body the natural way within two days. The rest will follow. 64 per cent via faeces. The rest via urine. Nothing accumulates in the body.
storage
Neotame is stable in bakery products and pasteurized dairy
products.
The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container, in
a cool, dry place; it is stable for up to 5 years at room temperature.
Regulatory Status
Accepted for use as a food additive in several countries including the
USA, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Approved for use in
India in pharmaceutical preparations.