Aspartame: The controversial sweetener that could potentially cause cancer

Aspartame: The controversial sweetener that could potentially cause cancer

The latest statement from the WHO

On a remarkable Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an unexpected statement that took the aspartame controversy to a new level. The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly used in diet drinks and low-sugar foods, could potentially cause cancer. The full IARC report can be found here. This was the first time this prestigious international organization had publicly addressed the potential effects of aspartame, an ingredient that has sparked debate for decades.

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The evidence and the context

This surprising conclusion was based on limited evidence from three observational studies that linked consumption of artificially sweetened beverages to an increase in liver cancer cases - with consumption of well under a dozen cans per day. The IARC issued a cautionary statement saying the results may be biased toward the profile of people who consume larger amounts of diet drinks and called for further research.

Despite this alarming announcement, a second WHO committee, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, maintained its position on safe levels of aspartame consumption. By their standards, a person weighing 150 pounds could safely drink about a dozen cans of diet soda per day without risking cancer.

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The ubiquity of aspartame in the food industry

The controversy over aspartame is exacerbated by its almost ubiquitous presence in our diet. Aspartame, one of six sweeteners approved by U.S. regulators, is found in thousands of products, including diet sodas, teas, energy drinks, yogurt and sugar-free gum. It is also found in various pharmaceutical products, indicating its widespread use in industry. The full FDA report on aspartame and other sweeteners can be found here.

Concerns about rising obesity and diabetes rates worldwide, as well as changing consumer preferences, have led to an increase in the availability of sugar-free and low-sugar foods and beverages. The ubiquity of aspartame in our food and drinks is undeniable.

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The US FDA's response

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which approved aspartame decades ago, responded to the IARC findings with unusual criticism. The FDA reiterated its longstanding stance that aspartame is safe, including in light of new findings from the WHO. In a statement, the FDA said it "disagrees with IARC's conclusion that these studies support the classification of aspartame as a possible human carcinogen." The FDA went further, arguing that the “possibly carcinogenic to humans” label did not imply a direct link between aspartame and cancer. The FDA's detailed statement can be found here.@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-healthy_holistic_living_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}

This provocative statement against the IARC is expected to stimulate further international debate. The dispute could also trigger a renewed review of aspartame's safety in the United States.

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The ongoing debate about aspartame and other sweeteners

The American Beverage Association (ABA) reiterated the FDA's position. Kevin Keane, the interim president of the ABA, emphasized that aspartame is safe, pointed to the WHO's duplicate statements and pointed to the second panel's unchanged recommended daily dose. Keane said the WHO's rigorous review confirms the position of the FDA and food safety authorities from over 90 countries.

The controversy isn't just about aspartame. Other artificial sweeteners have also come under scrutiny. Erythritol, for example, is being studied for possible links to cardiovascular problems, as highlighted in this New York Times report.

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Some health experts even suggest eliminating artificial sweeteners from your diet altogether. Saccharin, another sweetener, was removed from the list of potential human carcinogens after studies showed it did not pose a cancer risk, as described here.

A historical perspective

Looking at the historical context, the WHO has occasionally disagreed with other authorities regarding potential cancer risks. A notable example is glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup, a weed killer. The WHO's declaration that glyphosate was linked to cancer led to a series of lawsuits against the herbicide's manufacturers. You can read more about it here and here.

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The role of the beverage industry

The influential beverage industry has consistently denied any regulatory or scientific evidence linking artificial sweeteners to health risks. This Newsweek article discusses the industry's role in ensuring safe food and beverage choices. But aspartame remains the latest point of contention for multinational companies, which are resisting new studies or possible links to health risks.

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Health aspects for aspartame consumers

Despite the ongoing debate, many aspartame users may want to reconsider their dietary habits. Dr. Francesco Branca, director of the WHO's Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, suggested switching to water or other unsweetened drinks. However, he noted that occasional use should not pose a risk for most people.

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The WHO's recent statement that aspartame may be a possible carcinogen has reignited debate about its safety. This statement, along with the conflicting views of the FDA and the ABA, will likely lead to a period of uncertainty and increased scrutiny of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

While it is important to stay informed and cautious, it is equally important to remember that dietary habits involve numerous variables and individual health outcomes cannot be attributed to a single ingredient. It is advisable to eat a balanced diet and consult a doctor for individual advice. As further research continues, we will gain a clearer understanding of the health effects of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

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