The Truth About Aspartame: Unraveling the Cancer Controversy

Aspartame – is it a possible cause of cancer?

Published 3 hours ago

By James Gallagher, Health and Science Correspondent

The Controversy Surrounding Aspartame

News reports suggest that the sweetener aspartame, commonly found in various foods and fizzy drinks, is set to be officially classified as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. However, this classification does not provide a clear indication of the actual risk associated with aspartame. Other substances in the “possibly carcinogenic” category include aloe vera, diesel, and pickled Asian vegetables. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), is expected to make an announcement regarding this classification on July 14th.

What is Aspartame and Where is it Found?

Aspartame is a sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar, providing the taste without the calories. It is commonly found in diet or sugar-free foods, including diet drinks, chewing gums, and some yogurts. Popular beverages such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, and 7 Up Free also contain aspartame. In fact, the sweetener is present in approximately 6,000 food products.

The Research on Aspartame and Cancer

The IARC has been conducting a review of approximately 1,300 studies on aspartame and its potential link to cancer. While the Reuters news agency reports that aspartame will be classified as “possibly carcinogenic,” it is important to understand that this classification does not provide information about the level of risk associated with the sweetener. The IARC classifications include “Carcinogenic to Humans” (Group 1), “Probably Carcinogenic to Humans” (Group 2A), “Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans” (Group 2B), and “Not Classifiable” (Group 3).

Understanding the Classification

According to Kevin McConway, a professor of statistics at the Open University, the IARC categorization does not indicate the actual level of risk from aspartame. It simply reflects the strength of evidence supporting a potential link to cancer. The “possibly” category is used when there is limited evidence in people or data from animal experiments. It is important to note that substances categorized as Group 1 or 2A have stronger evidence supporting their potential to cause cancer.

The Controversy and Alarm Surrounding IARC Classifications

The IARC classifications have caused confusion and have been criticized in the past for creating unnecessary alarm. For example, when processed red meat was categorized as carcinogenic, reports equated it to smoking. However, the risk of consuming an additional 1.7oz (50g) of bacon every day would lead to one case of bowel cancer among 100 people. While the specific numbers for aspartame are not available, it is important to consider the context and actual risk associated with its consumption.

Expert Opinions on Aspartame Safety

The Joint World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization’s Expert Committee on Food Additives has maintained a stance since 1981 that a daily intake of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is safe. This roughly translates to consuming between 12 and 36 cans of diet drinks (depending on the exact ingredients) per day for an average adult. The International Council of Beverages Associations’ executive director, Kate Loatman, expresses concern that the leaked opinion regarding aspartame could mislead consumers into consuming more sugar rather than choosing safe no-and low-sugar options.

Rick Mumford, the deputy chief scientific adviser to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, stated that the body would closely study the reports on aspartame. However, he reaffirmed that the safety of this sweetener has been evaluated by various scientific committees, and it is considered safe at current permitted use levels.

Conclusion: The Need for Further Research

While aspartame has been extensively researched and over 90 food safety agencies worldwide have declared it safe, it is crucial to continue studying its potential health implications. It is important for both consumers and public health authorities to stay informed and make evidence-based decisions regarding sweetener consumption. As further research is conducted and expert committees provide updated recommendations, individuals should consider their own health conditions and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.