Aspartylphenylalanine

Aspartylphenylalanine is a dipeptide, meaning it is composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is often referred to by its acronym, AP. This dipeptide is a key component in the synthesis of the artificial sweetener aspartame. When aspartame is metabolized in the body, it breaks down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. Aspartic acid and phenylalanine are common amino acids found in many foods and are essential for various bodily functions. Phenylalanine, in particular, is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet. Individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must restrict their intake of phenylalanine, and therefore, products containing aspartame carry a warning label for these individuals. Aspartylphenylalanine itself is not typically consumed directly as a food ingredient but rather as part of the larger aspartame molecule. Its presence in the body as a metabolic product of aspartame is well-understood and generally considered safe for the general population at regulated consumption levels.