Does aspartame have health risks? What to know about the sweetener as WHO raises safety questions.

On June 29, 2023, at 5:32 PM, CBS News published an interesting piece on their blog.

Aspartame, a man-made sugar substitute that is much more powerful than regular sugar, is present in numerous items available at supermarkets. These range from beverages and powdered mixes to reduced-calorie condiments and sweets. However, certain individuals and scientists have raised concerns regarding its impact on human well-being.

On Thursday, Reuters published an article stating that the cancer research division of the World Health Organization is likely to announce that the synthetic sugar substitute could potentially cause cancer in humans.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the WHO has conducted an evaluation on the potential cancer-causing impact of aspartame. A spokesperson from the organization informed CBS News that the findings will be disclosed on July 14. However, they did not verify the Reuters article regarding the IARC's determination on the safety of aspartame.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institute of Health, a carcinogen is described as "any element that induces the development of cancer."

Carcinogens can be found naturally in the surroundings or can be created by people, according to the NIH. They usually function by engaging with the DNA of a cell to create changes.

According to the website of the National Human Genome Research Institute of the NIH, more than 500 substances have been recognized as conclusive, likely, or potential cancer-causing agents for humans. Some examples of these substances are asbestos, car fumes, processed meat, and UV rays. It is important to highlight that being exposed to a cancer-causing substance does not automatically mean that one will definitely develop cancer. Several factors come into play when determining if a person exposed to a carcinogen will ultimately develop the disease.

Is Aspartame Harmful?

In 1981, Aspartame emerged in the market as a sweetener with fewer calories and has since become an important component in various food and drink items throughout North America and beyond. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted its approval for the inclusion of Aspartame in food products, assuring that the additive is "secure for the overall population."

According to the FDA, aspartame is extensively researched among the additives found in our food. In order to ascertain its safety, the FDA has thoroughly examined over 100 studies that were specifically conducted to detect any potential harmful effects. These studies encompassed various aspects such as evaluating its impact on the reproductive and nervous systems, assessing its ability to cause cancer, and investigating its metabolism within the body.

However, concerns regarding the safety of aspartame have arisen throughout the years.

In the month of May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the sugar substitute does not have enough evidence to be considered beneficial for shedding pounds. Furthermore, they cautioned that extended usage of this particular sweetener could result in possible negative consequences, including higher susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and even a higher likelihood of mortality among grown-ups.

A research article from 2021, published in the reputable journal Nutrients, highlighted that "projecting the outcomes of extended usage is still challenging."

The writers referred to additional studies that propose a potential link between the intake of aspartame and the emergence of type 2 diabetes, yet they assert that the relationship "lacks clarity." Additionally, they highlighted that the artificial sweetener could induce mood imbalances, psychological strain, and feelings of sadness.

The writers examined several studies conducted on mice and rats which suggested that aspartame "might possess carcinogenic traits." However, they emphasized the inability to definitively establish aspartame's carcinogenicity in humans.

The American Cancer Society has reported that various investigations examining the potential association between aspartame and cancer have yielded conflicting results.

Other sugar substitutes have also been under scrutiny lately.

A research report released in February revealed that erythritol, a sugar substitute with no calories commonly used in low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, and ketogenic products, is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or mortality.

Erythritol-infused sugarless goods are frequently advised for individuals grappling with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome as effective tactics to regulate sugar and calorie consumption. Those afflicted with these ailments are already more prone to experiencing harmful cardiovascular incidents like a stroke.

In reply to that research, Robert Rankin, the head of the Calorie Control Council, which is a global organization representing the low-calorie food and drink industry, informed CBS News that the findings were in opposition to years of scientific studies that demonstrate the safety of low-calorie sweeteners such as erythritol. This is supported by the fact that these sweeteners have been approved for use in food and beverages by regulatory authorities around the world. Rankin also emphasized that the conclusions of the research should not be generalized to the wider population since the participants in the study were already at a higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Rankin expressed his view that the IARC's statements regarding aspartame lack important information, making them unreliable and deceptive.

"Individuals have the right to accurate information, and the truth is that aspartame is deemed safe and has undergone extensive research as a food ingredient. This is why the Calorie Control Council is deeply worried about unsupported and deceptive claims that go against years of scientific findings and regulatory authorizations worldwide," he expressed in a message shared with CBS News.

Elizabeth Napolitano made a valuable contribution to this report.

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