Sweetener Aspartame and Cancer: Aspartame sweetener may be deemed as a carcinogen by the WHO

Recent research has shed light on the potential connection between the widely used artificial sweetener aspartame and cancer, raising concerns among consumers and the food industry. As the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), prepares to release its report in July, the debate surrounding aspartame's safety and its impact on human health has reached a critical stage.

What is Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial non-saccharide sweetener that has been widely used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products since the 1980s. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar (sucrose) and is commonly found in diet sodas, chewing gum, breakfast cereals and other sugar-free items.

The popularity of aspartame in the food and beverage industry can be attributed to its intense sweetness, low caloric content, and its ability to mimic the taste profile of sugar among approved artificial sweeteners. Additionally, aspartame's sweetness lingers more than sucrose, making it a preferred choice.

Risk of Aspartame

However, the controversy surrounding aspartame and its potential carcinogenicity has been the subject of debate for decades and has been extensively studied and evaluated by regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some studies have indicated that excessive reliance on artificial sweeteners can cultivate a preference for sweet dietary habits, leading to an imbalance in insulin secretion, obesity and type 2 diabetes, affecting overall health.

Meanwhile, since 1981, JECFA has consistently advocated that "aspartame" is safe within acceptable daily intake limits and has gained recognition from regulatory agencies in the United States and Europe. Recently, JECFA conducted a risk assessment exercise from June 27 to July 6, 2023, to determine the daily safe consumption amount of aspartame and evaluate the overall dietary exposure to this artificial sweetener.

It is important to note the distinction between a substance being labelled as "possibly carcinogenic" and the actual risk it poses to humans under normal circumstances. The IARC's classification of "possibly carcinogenic to humans" indicates that there is some evidence linking aspartame to cancer, but it is limited.

The IARC has higher categories for substances with stronger evidence, namely "probably carcinogenic to humans" and "carcinogenic to humans". The final evaluation by both the IARC and JECFA, taking into account all available evidence, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the health effects associated with aspartame consumption.

Substitute for aspartame

1. Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is low in calories. Stevia is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Its use in moderation can help satisfy sweet cravings without causing the same health concerns associated with excessive aspartame consumption.

2. Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits. It is sweet and low in calories, making it a popular sugar substitute. While it can be a good alternative to aspartame, excessive consumption of erythritol may lead to digestive issues in some individuals. The flavour of this substance is comparable to that of sugar, albeit potentially accompanied by a subtle residual taste.

Reference:

[1] National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information

[2] Exclusive: WHO's cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen -sources, Reuters