- WTO classifies aspartame as a potential carcinogen, but further research is needed.
- The FDA maintains that consuming up to 50 mg/kg of aspartame per day remains safe for most people.
Aspartame and Other Low-Calorie Sweeteners
In light of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) classification of aspartame as a potential carcinogen, questions arise about its safety, especially in products like Diet Coke. Here’s what you need to know:
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in numerous low-calorie products such as Diet Coke and sugar-free Jell-O was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decades ago but has continued to be scrutinized for its safety.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the WTO, categorizes carcinogens into four levels. Aspartame now falls under Group 2B, indicating limited evidence suggesting it may cause cancer. This group also includes substances like gasoline and lead but is less certain than Category 1, which contains known human carcinogens such as tobacco smoke.
According to Dr. Alexandra Jones from the George Institute for Global Health in Australia, “The placing of aspartame in Group 2B does not immediately indicate that it causes cancer; rather, there’s limited evidence suggesting this.” The acceptable daily intake level has remained unchanged despite this classification.
Some individuals use artificial sweeteners to minimize added sugar consumption, which can link to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, this new development raises questions about whether switching from sugar to aspartame is advantageous.
Registered dietitian Debbie Petitpain points out that no single ingredient greatly increases cancer risk, but overall dietary patterns and lifestyle factors do play a role. Additionally, the FDA continues to label aspartame as safe for most people under specific consumption guidelines - up to 50 mg/kg of body weight daily.
The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives concurred with aspartame’s safe intake limit being 40 milligrams/kilogram of body weight. “To exceed this recommended amount, a person weighing around 150 pounds would need to consume multiple cans of diet soda daily or over eight dozen individual packets of aspartame,” Petitpain elaborates.
Research findings are inconsistent: an animal study from 2006 linked aspartame to cancer in rats, but no direct linkage was observed in human studies. However, a 2022 observational study suggests that aspartame might increase overall cancer risk in humans.
The FDA asserts that multiple studies examining the long-term impact on health aspects, including carcinogenesis and metabolism, have supported its position. Experts recommend transparency regarding safety information so individuals can make informed decisions about consuming products containing this sweetener.
For those concerned, Petitpain suggests considering other artificial sweeteners like saccharin or sucralose that the FDA considers safe, as well as natural alternatives such as stevia and monk fruit. She also recommends foods with minimal added sugar for a healthier option.
The one strong warning against aspartame is specifically targeting individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder preventing them from metabolizing phenylalanine present in aspartame. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes related to artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.