Sodium aspartate is a chemical compound with diverse applications across various industries. It is a salt derived from aspartic acid, an amino acid naturally present in many proteins. This article explores its chemical identity, uses, safety, and how it differs from other similarly named substances.
What is Sodium Aspartate
Sodium aspartate is the sodium salt of aspartic acid, an alpha-amino acid involved in protein synthesis. Its molecular formula is C4H6NNaO4, with a molecular weight of 155.086 g/mol. This compound appears as a white crystalline powder and is freely soluble in water.
Aspartic acid occurs naturally in animal and vegetable sources. While naturally present in proteins, sodium aspartate can also be produced synthetically for commercial purposes. The compound’s chemical properties include a melting point of approximately 140°C (with decomposition) and a density of 1.514 g/cm³.
Common Uses and Applications
Sodium aspartate finds application in several areas, particularly within the food and cosmetic industries. In food, it enhances flavor and acts as an antiseptic, often serving as a substitute for monosodium glutamate (MSG). It has also been explored as an enhancer of salty taste perception, potentially aiding in reducing excessive dietary salt intake.
Beyond food, sodium aspartate is utilized in the cosmetics industry for its buffering, hair conditioning, and humectant properties. It controls the pH of cosmetic products, leaves hair easy to comb, and helps retain moisture. In the medical field, L-aspartic acid sodium salt has been investigated for potential uses as a heart disease medicine, liver function support, an ammonia antidote, and a fatigue reducer. Sodium L-aspartate monohydrate has also been nominated for use in cardioplegia solutions during bypass surgery.
Safety and Regulatory Status
The safety profile of sodium aspartate has been evaluated by various regulatory bodies. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and other reports, the chemical generally does not meet GHS (Globally Harmonized System) hazard criteria, indicating a low hazard profile. For instance, reports show it did not meet GHS hazard criteria in over 98% of cases.
In terms of regulatory status, sodium aspartate is subject to various regulations depending on its application and region. In the European Union, cosmetic ingredients, including sodium aspartate, are regulated to ensure product safety. For medical uses, sodium L-aspartate monohydrate has been nominated for inclusion on the 503B Bulks List in the US, with availability noted in Canada and the UK.
Sodium Aspartate versus Aspartame
Sodium aspartate and aspartame are distinct compounds, despite their similar-sounding names and the presence of aspartic acid in both. Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener, approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is a methyl ester of the dipeptide formed from L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. Aspartame is widely used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages, often found in products like diet sodas, and is regulated by the FDA as a food additive.
In contrast, sodium aspartate is the sodium salt of aspartic acid and is not primarily used as a sweetener. Its applications are diverse, encompassing roles as a flavor enhancer, antiseptic in food, and an ingredient in cosmetics for buffering and conditioning. While aspartame breaks down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol in the body, sodium aspartate is a simple salt of aspartic acid. This chemical difference leads to their distinct functions and regulatory classifications.