What Enzyme Breaks Down Aspartame

When aspartame is consumed, it is completely broken down by the enzymes in the digestive system (esterases and peptidases) into the two amino acids and a type of alcohol called methanol. The amounts of these are much less than found in foods.

How is aspartame broken down?

Aspartame is fully broken down in our gut to aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are absorbed and enter our body. In addition, the methyl group from the modified phenylalanine is released in the gut to form methanol. Methanol is also absorbed by the body and most of it used to produce energy.

Does aspartame break down into formaldehyde?

Upon ingestion, aspartame is broken, converted, and oxidized into formaldehyde in various tissues.