Title: Daily Limits for Artificial Sweetener Aspartame Remain Unchanged Despite ‘Possibly Carcinogenic’ Listing
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer research arm, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), recently listed the artificial sweetener aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, despite this classification, there are no changes to the existing daily limits for consuming products containing this sweetener.
The recommended safe limits for aspartame consumption remain at 40mg per kilo of body weight per day. This means that an adult could consume up to 15 cans of low-calorie drinks containing aspartame without exceeding the acceptable limit. For a 70kg adult, this would be approximately 2,800mg per day. It’s worth noting that a can of Diet Coke, for example, contains around 180mg of aspartame. Aspartame is also present in various other food products, including certain yogurts.
Although the IARC’s decision to add aspartame to the list was based on concerns from limited studies, it does not warrant a change to the recommended consumption limits. Dr. Francesco Branca, the Director at the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, emphasized that there is no convincing evidence indicating that consumption within these limits poses a risk. Instead, the organization aims to raise awareness and advocate for more research to be conducted.
Dr. Branca does not encourage the public to stop consuming products containing aspartame, nor does he suggest that manufacturers should remove them from the market. However, he does urge individuals to reduce their consumption, opt for alternatives like water or fruit juice, and advises manufacturers to consider reformulating their products rather than seeking alternative artificial sweeteners.
In terms of sweetened fizzy drinks, Dr. Branca suggests that individuals with lower body weight limit their consumption to two to three cans per day. He also advises against switching to sugar-sweetened drinks as an alternative.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has reassured that exposure to aspartame among Irish adults and pre-school children is well below the acceptable daily limits defined by WHO.
The International Council of Beverages Associations echoes this sentiment, stating that an acceptable intake of aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the duration of a person’s lifetime. The Council emphasized the importance of considering both risk and hazard in safety assessments, unlike the IARC, further highlighting the comprehensive nature of WHO’s conclusions regarding the impact on human health.
In conclusion, while aspartame has been listed as possibly carcinogenic, there is no need for immediate alarm. Current daily limits indicate that consumption within these limits does not pose a discernible risk to human health. Yet, WHO’s call for more research serves to emphasize the necessity of further study, particularly for individuals with high intake levels. It is advised to consume these products in moderation and explore healthier alternatives while maintaining a balanced diet.
