According to reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) is considering declaring aspartame as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’, indicating an increased risk of developing cancer.
Understanding Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that was created in the 1960s and is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.
This means that less aspartame is required to achieve the same level of sweetness as sugar, resulting in fewer overall calories in products that contain it.
Unlike sugar, aspartame does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a suitable alternative for individuals with diabetes.
Chemically, it consists of three substances: aspartic acid (40%), phenylalanine (50%), and methanol (10%).
Common Sources of Aspartame
Aspartame can be found in a wide variety of products that are marketed as ‘diet’ or ‘sugar-free’.
Popular examples include diet sodas like Coca-Cola’s Diet Coke and Coke Zero, as well as sugar-free gums such as Extra’s.
Low-fat yogurts also often contain aspartame.
Presence in Coke Zero and Pepsi Max
Both Coke Zero and Pepsi Max include aspartame in their ingredients.
Other soft drink brands like certain Fanta flavors, Lucozade, and Dr Pepper also incorporate this artificial sweetener.
Potential Health Risks
Aspartame has been associated with various health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and stomach upsets.
However, blind trials, where participants are unaware of consuming the sweetener, have not been able to replicate these effects.
Nevertheless, concerns have persisted, suggesting that aspartame may contribute to cancer, gut biome alterations, depression, and even obesity by increasing appetite.
Despite these claims, health and food regulators have consistently deemed aspartame safe for consumption after rigorous safety assessments.
However, individuals with phenylketonuria, a rare inherited condition, must avoid aspartame as they cannot process phenylalanine, one of its components.
For them, consuming phenylalanine can lead to organ damage as it accumulates in the blood.
As a result, products containing aspartame must disclose it as an ingredient.
It’s important to note that only about one in 10,000 individuals have this condition.
Implications of the Potential Ruling
If confirmed, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body, would link aspartame consumption to cancer.
However, the degree of cancer risk classification can vary.
According to reports, aspartame may be categorized as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’, a status shared by substances like Aloe vera extract, lead, and certain coloring agents.
For comparison, the IARC has labeled red meat as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’, one step higher than the potential status of aspartame.
Even if classified as ‘possibly carcinogenic’, individual risks may vary significantly.
The IARC determines its rating based on evidence linking a substance to cancer, rather than assessing the actual risk itself.
Determining individual consumption limits and providing advice would be the responsibility of the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organization’s Expert Committee on Food Additives, along with national health bodies.
This could lead to recommendations from health institutions, such as the NHS, regarding a healthy limit on aspartame consumption, similar to guidelines for red and processed meat.
Moreover, an IARC ruling on the cancer risk associated with aspartame may trigger a consumer backlash, with individuals avoiding products containing the sweetener due to cancer fears.
Similar boycotts have occurred in response to previous IARC rulings.
Consequently, companies might reformulate their products to meet consumer demands.
Will Products like Diet Coke Bear a Cancer Warning?
It is unlikely, as such regulations are determined at the country level.
Despite stronger links to cancer found by previous IARC assessments, no comparable warnings have been issued for red or processed meats in the UK.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
