The World Health Organization's cancer agency has classified the artificial sweetener aspartame, commonly found in diet soda and other food products, as a "possible" carcinogen, media reports. Nevertheless, an independent group of experts still deems the sugar substitute safe to consume in moderate amounts.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and an expert panel selected by WHO and another U.N. group released differing results on the long-awaited reviews on July 14.
Aspartame is now among over 300 other “possible” cancer-causing agents, such as aloe vera extract, Asian-style pickled vegetables, and carpentry work.
The IARC has two more serious classifications: "probably carcinogenic to humans” and “carcinogenic to humans.” Tobacco smoking and eating processed meat are both listed as “carcinogenic to humans,” while acetaldehyde (from consuming alcoholic beverages) is listed as "probably carcinogenic to humans."
The WHO warned in May this year that artificial sweeteners were not a weight loss aid and could raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and death.
Although last year a large study in France flagged a possible link between artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of cancer, the WHO emphasized in May that the warning was “conditional” due to the diversity of participants in the studies that formed the basis for its conclusions, as well as the very complex consumption habits of sugar-free sweeteners.
Frances Hunt-Wood, Secretary General of the International Sweeteners Association, stated that IARC is not a food safety body. The expert argued that aspartame is one of the hist's most thoroughly researched ingredients.
Over 90 food safety agencies worldwide, including the European Food Safety Authority, have declared it safe for consumption. Moreover, the organization, whose members include Coca-Cola and Mars Wrigley, expressed concerns that the IARC review may mislead consumers.
According to regulatory authorities in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Canada, aspartame is safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake limits.
The World Health Organization's nutrition director, Dr. Francesco Branca, stated that the guidelines for using aspartame are not changing. They advise moderation rather than consumers to stop consuming the sweetener altogether. In 1981, U.N. experts assessed the safety of aspartame and set the safe daily limit slightly lower, at 40 milligrams per kilogram.
Experts emphasize that sugar isn't a preferable alternative while linking aspartame to cancer. Over-consumption of sugar can also cause obesity, an important cancer risk factor. In May, the World Health Organization's guidelines against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control raised concerns among medical professionals. Professor Tom Sanders criticized the guidance for not considering real-world situations, particularly dietetics. He explained that sometimes, people need to control their weight by reducing calorie intake and that switching from full sugary drinks to zero-calorie drinks can help. Sanders stressed that substances with convincing or probable evidence of cancer, such as processed meat, should be avoided. At the same time, those in the possible category are probably not worth worrying about, as evidence is limited.
Aspartame has been widely used since the 1980s, and the compound is present in more than 6,000 products worldwide.
In the European Union and UK, consumers may find aspartame listed on product labels or, alternatively, its E-number, E-951.
Why is it so pervasive in foodstuffs? The artificial sweetener is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular sugar.
And due to its intense sweetness, only a small amount of it is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness in food and beverages. The result is fewer calories compared to sugar.
Aspartame is commonly used as a sugar substitute in Europe, found in table-top sweeteners like Canderel and in diet versions of popular soft drinks such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Sprite Zero, and Fanta Zero. Aspartame is also used in sugar-free chewing gum, candies, and mints and in low-calorie yogurts and desserts produced by brands like Yoplait and Müller Light.
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