Aspartame: Diet coke contains THIS “possibly carcinogenic” ingredient; WHO warns against this popular artificial sweetener
"Healthy Choice: Diet Coke, The Preferred Drink For Weight Watchers And Fitness Fans"
WHO: Aspartame Possibly Carcinogenic
This implies that there is some proof connecting aspartame to cancer, but the evidence is not extensive. Additionally, there are two other classifications for substances that can cause cancer: "likely to cause cancer in humans" and "known to cause cancer in humans". Keep reading for more information.
Should We Be Worried?
Dr. Vinay Gaikwad, Director of The Oncology Centre at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, explains that just because something is labeled as a potential carcinogen does not automatically mean it actually causes cancer. Additional investigations are currently underway to determine whether or not it has the ability to induce cancer.
Research conducted in European countries such as France and Italy has revealed that individuals who consume large quantities of aspartame, found in food and drinks, may have a slightly heightened chance of developing cancer. However, it is important to note that this has not been definitively proven as a fact. Therefore, there is no immediate cause for alarm. Nonetheless, it is important for us to remain attentive to any new developments or findings in this area. At present, it is uncertain whether aspartame is indeed a cancer-causing substance, unlike well-established examples such as cigarette smoke. The consumption of red meat and exposure to asbestos are also being addressed in the same context of potential risk factors for cancer, alongside other chemical carcinogens. Dr. Gaikwad highlights the need for further investigation into whether aspartame falls into this category.
Is Aspartame A Deadly Sweetener?
Foods With Aspartame: Who Has It?
According to a report from Yicai Global, Aspartame is commonly found in a wide range of products such as diet coke, ice cream, chewing gum, diet soda, sugar-free soda, cereals, low-calorie coffee sweeteners, puddings, sugar-free desserts, sugar-free jams, and various other low-sugar or sugar-free packaged foods. However, the recent classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) is not expected to have a significant impact on drink companies. This is because they have several alternative sweeteners, like sucralose and stevia, that can be used in the production of sugar-free beverages. Li Shuguang, a member of the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology, shared this insight with Economic View.
Aspartame: What's The Safe Intake?
According to JECFA, the esteemed committee formed by WHO and FAO to study food additives, individuals weighing 60 kilograms would need to consume over 12 containers of diet soda to face any potential harm.
Aspartame Causes Cancer In Rats
In a recent study published in the Environmental Health journal this year, it was discovered that aspartame, an ingredient found in over 5000 products, can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors in various organs of rats and mice. The report emphasizes that the risk of developing cancer was observed even at low levels of exposure, approaching the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Furthermore, it was found that prenatal exposure to aspartame resulted in higher instances of malignancies in the offspring of rodents, even at lower doses compared to adult subjects.
WHO Adds More To Cancer-causing Class - What's New?
The WHO's IARC has previously categorized working overnight, consuming red meat, and using mobile phones as cancer-causing activities. The decision on aspartame's classification is expected to be announced on July 14, according to The Guardian. The IARC-WHO classifies different substances into four groups regarding their potential to cause cancer: Group 1 (can cause cancer in humans), Group 2A (likely to cause cancer in humans), Group 2B (may possibly cause cancer in humans), and Group 3 (insufficient evidence to classify its carcinogenicity to humans). Aspartame falls into Group 2A, meaning there is strong evidence that it can cause cancer in animals and some evidence suggesting it might cause cancer in humans, though the evidence in humans is not yet conclusive.
Is Aspartame The Only Sweetener Of Concern?
The recent news about WHO's stance on aspartame has caused concern among both producers and consumers. However, should we only be worried about this specific sweetener? In May 2023, the WHO released a new guideline regarding non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). This guideline advises against using NSS to manage weight or lower the chances of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The report delved into three key issues: detrimental weight loss methods, the increasing popularity of artificial sweeteners, and the potential risks of NCDs such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and adult mortality.
Experts' Reactions To The Fate Of Aspartame: 10/10 Rating
Dr. Dhruv Chauhan claims that the World Health Organization's cancer research agency is going to announce that the substance "Aspartame," an artificial sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, and certain food products, is a potential carcinogen.
People often wonder why Cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent, even among younger individuals!
The government should promptly remove all items containing aspartame from the market.
Numerous health professionals have challenged this notion. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), aspartame is said to possess the same level of carcinogenic properties as aloe vera and pickled vegetables, and it is less carcinogenic when compared to consuming red meat, hot beverages, or working as a hairstylist, as highlighted by science writer James Wong in a tweet. Additionally, experts have raised doubts regarding whether aspartame can actually cause cancer, considering the absence of any concrete evidence from human studies.
