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Aspartame crystal, SEM
Aspartame crystal, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in foods and drinks, and as a consumer-added sweetener. Its chemical name is L- alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester. Aspartame is around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It has no energy value, and therefore is used in diet products. All products that contain aspartame must carry a warning, as it contains the amino acid phenylalanine. People with the disease phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolise phenylalanine, and over-consumption can lead to mental retardation. Magnification: x75 when printed at 10 centimetres tall.
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