Is Advantame (E969) safe for babies and kids?
Moderate risk for kidsInfants are vulnerable to Advantame (E969) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
What is advantame (e969)?
The IUPAC name is (3S)-3-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propylamino]-4-[[(2S)-1-methoxy-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid;hydrate.
Also known as: (3S)-3-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propylamino]-4-[[(2S)-1-methoxy-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid;hydrate, Advantame, Advantame monohydrate, 3ZA6810AWX.
- IUPAC name
- (3S)-3-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propylamino]-4-[[(2S)-1-methoxy-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid;hydrate
- CAS number
- 714229-20-6
- Molecular formula
- C24H32N2O8
- Molecular weight
- 476.5 g/mol
- SMILES
- COC1=C(C=C(C=C1)CCCNC(CC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(CC2=CC=CC=C2)C(=O)OC)O.O
- PubChem CID
- 56843846
Risk for babies
Moderate riskInfants are vulnerable to Advantame (E969) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentOccupational and household exposure to Advantame (E969) during pregnancy is associated with developmental toxicity. Solvents readily cross the placenta and can cause fetal growth restriction.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Advantame (E969).
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2013 | Not evaluated by IARC for carcinogenicity — Advantame (E969; CAS 714229-20-6; N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propyl]-L-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester; an aspartame derivative incorporating a vanillin-derived propyl side chain) is approved by FDA (2014; 21 CFR 172.803) and EU (E969; 2013); EFSA ADI 5 mg/kg/day (EFSA 2013; EFSA Journal 2013;11(7):3301); JECFA ADI 5 mg/kg/day; no IARC, EPA, or EFSA carcinogenicity classification; advantame is approximately 20,000× sweeter than sucrose — the most potent sweetener approved to date in either the US or EU; like neotame, the N-substituent (in this case a 3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propyl group derived from isovanillin chemistry) blocks phenylalanine release — advantame does not require a PKU warning; the 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylpropyl group gives advantame a faint vanilla note that synergizes with vanilla flavorings; EFSA set an ADI of 5 mg/kg/day — higher than neotame's 2 mg/kg/day ADI — reflecting the even more favorable toxicological profile from the large regulatory study package (37 safety studies, including multigenerational reproduction, carcinogenicity, and neurotoxicity studies — all negative) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter advantame (e969)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Advantame (E969):
-
Water-based systems; Bio-based solvents (ethyl lactate); Supercritical CO2
Trade-offs: Alternative solvent or process chemistry; solvency parameters (Hansen solubility, Kb value) must be matched to application; VOC content and flammability may differ; worker exposure assessment needed.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
Frequently asked questions
Is advantame (e969) safe for kids?
Infants are vulnerable to Advantame (E969) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.
What products contain advantame (e969)?
Advantame (E969) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to advantame (e969)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See Advantame (E969) in the baby app
Look up products containing advantame (e969), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- Advantame CAS 714229-20-6 N-[N-[3-(3-Hydroxy-4-Methoxyphenyl)Propyl]-L-alpha-Aspartyl]-L-Phenylalanine 1-Methyl Ester C24H30N2O7 ~20000x Sucrose Most Potent Approved Sweetener; FDA Approved 2014 21 CFR 172.803; EU E969 2013; JECFA ADI 5 mg/kg/day 2011; EFSA ADI 5 mg/kg/day EFSA Journal 2013;11(7):3301 37 Studies All Negative; Isovanillin 3-Hydroxy-4-Methoxyphenylpropyl Group Vanilla Note Flavor Synergy; No PKU Warning Carboxypeptidase A Block No Free Phenylalanine; De-Esterified Advantame Major Metabolite; Ajinomoto Japan; Heat-Stable pH-Stable All Food Categories FDA; 1.5-2x More Potent Than Neotame; Limited Commercial Market Penetration Precision Dosing Required (2013) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →