WHO says aspartame may cause cancer. These foods contain the sweetener

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen, meaning the popular sweetener may cause cancer.

It however said aspartame is safe for humans in so far as it is not consumed above the recommended daily limit.

WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reached its conclusion after reviewing three large studies on the impact of artificially sweetened beverages on humans. The studies took place in the U.S. and Europe.

It said there was a possible link between aspartame and a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma.

The global health body, however, said the classification is based on limited evidence and more research is needed to determine whether consumption of the artificial sweetener can actually lead to cancer.

“This shouldn’t really be taken as a direct statement that indicates that there is a known cancer hazard from consuming aspartame,” Dr. Mary Schubauer-Berigan, a senior official at the cancer agency told journalists during a press conference Wednesday before the findings were released to the public.

“In our view, this is really more a call to the research community to try to better clarify and understand the carcinogenic hazard that may or may not be posed by aspartame consumption.”

– Not buying it

The outcome has set off a debate with manufacturers and even some regulators disagreeing.

The American Beverage Association claimed the findings showed aspartame is a safe choice for people who want to reduce sugar and calories in their diet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it reviewed the same evidence WHO used, in 2021, and identified significant flaws in the studies.

“Aspartame is one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply,” FDA spokesperson said, according to CNBC. “FDA scientists do not have safety concerns when aspartame is used under the approved conditions.”

Given the controversy, which has spanned decades, Dr Francesco Branca, the director of the department of nutrition and food safety at WHO, recommended water instead of sugar or aspartame.

“Faced with a decision of whether to take cola with sweeteners or one with sugar, I think there should be a third option, which is to drink water instead and to limit the consumption of sweetened products altogether,” he told the BBC.

He said the reviews “raised the flag” that aspartame may not be great for human health, but said there shouldn’t be a concern about an occasional diet drink or other product containing the sweetener. “The problem is for high consumers,” he said.

WHO said it is not calling for companies to withdraw products that contain aspartame yet, but for the food industry to consider changing ingredients, to make products without the use of sweeteners.

– What is aspartame?

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used in numerous food and beverage products as a sugar substitute. It is known for its intense sweetness (200 times sweeter than sugar but has low calorie), making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to reduce their sugar intake.

Scientifically, it known to be a dipeptide artificial sweetener, meaning it is composed of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) joined together by a peptide bond. It was discovered in 1965 by scientists at G.D. Searle & Co. and later sold under the brand name NutraSweet.

The artificial sweetener entered the market as a low-calorie sweetener in 1981. The food industry widely uses aspartame as a substitute for sugar because it intense sweetness means it can be used in low concentrations with very few calories and achieve a similar taste.

Despite being so widespread, the chemical’s safety has been a source of controversy since its introduction.

– Is aspartame dangerous?

While many studies have found that aspartame is safe to consume in moderate amounts, certain research has suggested a potential link between aspartame consumption and cancer.

One study conducted in France, which involved over 100,000 adults, found a slight increase in cancer risk among individuals who consumed higher quantities of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame.

Additionally, some studies have suggested that aspartame could lead to headaches, seizures, and depression.

Despite these concerns, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Cancer Society maintain that aspartame is safe for human consumption within recommended limits.

– How much is too much?

The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, group of WHO and U.N. scientists, said Thursday that aspartame is safe to consume if a person’s daily consumption of the sweetener does not exceed 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight during the individual’s lifetime.

The FDA’s recommended daily limit is slightly higher, at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Dr Branca said an adult weighing 70 kilograms or 154 pounds would have to drink more than nine to 14 cans of aspartame-containing soda such as Diet Coke daily to exceed the limit and potentially face health risks.

According to him, there is no need for concern about health risks for those who occasionally consume a can of soda or chew gum containing aspartame. He said the WHO is simply advising moderation when it comes to consuming foods and beverages that contain aspartame.

He cautioned that things may be different for children who consume aspartame-sweetened soda, as they could surpass the daily limit by consuming only three cans. He said children who begin consuming aspartame at an early age might face increased health risks later in life.

“You may have families that instead of having water on the table, have a big can of sparkling drinks with sweeteners. That’s not a good practice,” he said.

– Foods that contain aspartame

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that can be found in various products, from popular diet sodas like Diet Coke and Pepsi Zero Sugar to chewing gum, low-fat yogurt, and even certain fizzy drinks. According to the Calorie Control Council, an industry trade group in the U.S., approximately 6,000 products worldwide contain aspartame.

While Diet Coke, Pepsi Zero Sugar, and chewing gum are commonly associated with aspartame, there are numerous other products that may also include this sweetener. [Sweeteners in low-sugar products can differ, and ingredient compositions may change. It’s recommended that consumers review individual product ingredient lists to ascertain the presence of aspartame.]

Diet Soda and Carbonated Beverages: Many diet soda and carbonated beverages, including sugar-free versions, rely on aspartame for sweetening. These products often market themselves as healthier alternatives, but consumers should be aware of the presence of aspartame.

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Aspartame is commonly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum such as Trident gum. Be sure to read the labels and look for alternative options if you prefer to avoid aspartame.

Low-Calorie and Sugar-Free Yogurts: Some low-calorie or sugar-free yogurts may contain aspartame to enhance their taste. It is advisable to check the ingredient list and opt for natural sweeteners if possible.

Sugar Substitutes and Tabletop Sweeteners: Aspartame can be found in various sugar substitutes and tabletop sweeteners used to sweeten beverages, cereals, and desserts. These products are often labeled as low-calorie or sugar-free.

Flavored Water and Sports Drinks: Some flavored water and sports drinks may use aspartame as a sweetener. Carefully examine the ingredient labels and consider alternative options without aspartame if concerned about potential health risks.

Aspartame is also used in: cakes and snacks, candy, cookies and biscuits, ice cream, juice and drinks.