You’ve likely heard of aspartame, but its lesser-known cousin, neotame, is quietly making its way into disposable e-cigarettes and everyday foods—raising concerns among researchers.
A study published this week in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found neotame in 11 popular disposable vape brands, including Elf Bar and Geek Bar. This artificial sweetener is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar and up to 65 times sweeter than aspartame.
Unlike cartridge-based devices like JUUL, which have faced scrutiny for ingredients like sucralose, disposable vapes appear to rely on neotame for their intense sweetness. But this isn’t just a vaping issue—neotame is already in baked goods, candy (like Mentos), gum, yogurt, salad dressings, and even flavored drinks such as Tampico Mango Punch.
Why Is Neotame in Vapes?
Neotame’s heat stability makes it ideal for e-liquids, which can reach 800°F when vaporized, said Dr. Sven Jordt, lead author of the study and a Duke University professor. Unlike aspartame, which breaks down under heat, neotame retains its sweetness—making it appealing for both vaping and baking.
But researchers worry its intense sweetness attracts young users. Disposable vapes, often illegal but widely sold, contain higher nicotine levels at lower prices, with some offering 15,000-20,000 puffs per device.
“Kids puff on these all the time,” Jordt said. “We’re asking: Is it just the design, or is there something else making them more addictive?”
Health Risks: Gut Damage and Unknown Lung Effects
While the FDA approved neotame for food in 2002, it’s not cleared for inhalation. Recent studies suggest it may harm gut health:
A 2023 study in Frontiers in Nutrition found neotame can damage intestinal lining and disrupt gut bacteria, potentially leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sepsis.
Another study linked artificial sweeteners to changes in gut microbiomes, though neotame wasn’t specifically tested.
“Even small amounts could harm gut health, leading to inflammatory diseases,” said Dr. Havovi Chichger, a senior study author.
Big Unanswered Questions
- How does inhaling neotame affect lungs? (Early research links vaping to COPD.)
- How much is too much? The FDA sets daily limits, but labels don’t disclose amounts in food or vapes.
- Could vaping + eating neotame exceed safe limits? Experts say it’s possible.
“There’s no data on long-term inhalation risks,” said Dr. Ruchi Mathur, a Cedars-Sinai endocrinologist. “Consumers should be cautious.”
What You Can Do
- Check labels for neotame (or “Newtame”) in foods.
- Talk to your doctor if you use artificial sweeteners for weight or diabetes management.
- Be wary of disposable vapes, especially with unknown ingredients.
“Moderation is key,” Mathur said. “But vaping neotame? We just don’t know the risks.”
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