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Neotame

    Synonyms: 3-(3,3-Dimethylbutylamino)-N-(a-carboxyphenethyl)succinamic acid methyl ester; N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-a-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester; L-phenylalanine, N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)- L-a-aspartyl]-1-methyl ester.

    Description: Neotame occurs as an odorless, white to off-white powder. It has an intense sweet taste 7000–13 000 times sweeter than sucrose depending on the matrix.

    Chemical Name: (3R)-3-(3,3-Dimethylbutylamino)-4-[[(2R)-1-methoxy-1-oxo-3- phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid

    Flavor enhancer; sweetening agent.

    • 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.

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    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

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of the material handled. Eye protection is recommended.

    Aspartame