The World Health Organization (WHO) surprised diet soda drinkers everywhere with their recent declaration that aspartame, a popular low-calorie sweetener found in many “diet” or “sugar-free” beverages, may be carcinogenic to humans. According to WHO, there is limited evidence suggesting that aspartame could potentially cause liver cancer.
However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other experts have criticized WHO’s announcement, stating that it may cause unnecessary alarm. The FDA emphasizes that just because aspartame is labeled as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” does not mean there is a definitive link between aspartame and cancer.
In addition to this classification, WHO has set a recommended consumption limit for aspartame, suggesting a maximum intake of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a 130-pound person should consume no more than 12 cans of Diet Coke, which contains aspartame, in a day.
Aspartame was initially cleared by the FDA in 1981 and has since become a widely used ingredient in approximately 6,000 products globally, including popular drinks like Diet Coke, Pepsi Zero, and Coke Zero, as well as various desserts.
Georgios Kryiazis, a pharmacologist and researcher at Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, reassures consumers that while there is some evidence linking aspartame consumption to certain cancers, the average consumer is safe and should not be overly concerned.
The classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen has sparked controversy, especially with previous studies suggesting potential risks, such as diabetes or obesity, associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame. This is the first time WHO has publicly addressed the effects of such a widely used artificial sweetener.
Despite these concerns, Kryiazis emphasizes that the majority of evidence suggests that reasonable use of aspartame or other artificial sweeteners is safe. However, individuals should consider additional factors when determining their level of concern and whether they should reduce their consumption of aspartame. It’s worth noting that WHO’s recommended daily intake of aspartame, which remains the same under the new classification, does not reflect the average U.S. consumer’s consumption. On average, an American consumes the equivalent of about two diet sodas per day, and even the most extreme users do not typically consume more than the equivalent of five or six cans of soda.
To make an informed decision, experts recommend staying up to date with scientific evidence and consuming artificial sweeteners like aspartame in moderation based on individual dietary needs and habits. Everyone responds differently to dietary choices, so while five cans of diet soda may be harmless for one person, it may have adverse health effects for someone else. Therefore, it may be advisable to reduce aspartame consumption if regularly consumed at higher levels.
In conclusion, it’s important to consider all available information, consult with healthcare professionals if necessary, and make personalized choices when it comes to consuming aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.
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