Neotame

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neotame


Structurally it looks more like a drug than a sweetener. Notice the B-phenethylamine nucleus present.

Sugars are typically polyhydroxy compounds, this one has not a single -OH group.

The 3,3' dimetylbutyl group provides steric hindrance probably sufficient to hinder metabolism at the non-phenethyl nitrogen. With those two N atoms, its probably capable of chelating beneficial trace metals out of the body, viz., Cu, Zn.

Looks like a drug molecule to me, one that's likely on its face to impact dopamine release and uptake. Tweet