Despite concerns and recent classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aspartame, a popular non-sugar sweetener, is still considered safer than bacon and red meat. The IARC has labeled aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans, placing it in Category 2B alongside other substances such as aloe vera extracts and traditional Asian pickled vegetables.
However, it’s important to note that Category 1, which includes known carcinogens like tobacco and processed meats, poses a higher risk, and Category 2A, which includes high-temperature frying and red meat, is also considered riskier than aspartame.
According to Francesco Branca, the director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, there is no convincing evidence from experimental or human data that suggests aspartame has adverse effects when consumed within recommended limits. The IARC’s classification is based on limited evidence of potential carcinogenicity in humans, as long as the daily intake does not exceed 40 mg/kg body weight.
To put it into perspective, a person weighing around 150 pounds (68 kg) would need to consume more than nine cans of aspartame-sweetened soda each day to exceed the recommended intake. However, as aspartame is used in a wide range of products, including toothpaste and chewable vitamins, it can be challenging to track one’s overall consumption of the sweetener.
While aspartame has been linked to other health concerns, such as disruption to the gut microbiome, blood sugar regulation, and potential weight gain, its safety is generally not a major concern when consumed in moderation.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also rejected the IARC’s assessment, stating that aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are safe for consumption under current guidelines. The FDA considers aspartame to be one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply.
In conclusion, for current consumers of diet drinks, the IARC’s classification of aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans should not be a cause for major alarm. As long as aspartame is consumed within recommended limits, it is considered safe. However, the classification highlights the need for further research to better understand the potential effects of aspartame on health.
