Aspartame, one of the world’s most common artificial sweeteners, has recently come under scrutiny regarding its potential carcinogenic effects. This concern has been sparked by the upcoming declaration of aspartame as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO). This development has significant implications for popular brands of carbonated soft drinks, such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, and more.
Aspartame and Its Use
Aspartame, discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965, is approximately 180-200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It is primarily used as a sugar substitute in carbonated soft drinks, confectionery, and medicines. In fact, aspartame can be found in approximately 95% of carbonated soft drinks on the market, including popular brands like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Fanta, and Sprite. The idea behind using aspartame as a sweetener was to provide the sweet taste without the added calories, aiming to address concerns related to obesity and diabetes.
Safety Concerns and the Link to Cancer
Despite its widespread use, aspartame’s safety has been a subject of controversy. The narrative review by Czarnecka et al. titled “Aspartame-True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products” explores the existing literature on aspartame and its potential effects on the human body. Of particular concern is the link between aspartame and cancer. The study highlights the breakdown of aspartame into formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, during digestion. It is estimated that the consumption of 1 liter of diet soda can result in the transformation of approximately 60 mg of aspartame into formaldehyde, exceeding the recommended daily intake limits.
The Reuters article titled “Exclusive: WHO’s cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen -sources” further adds weight to the concerns surrounding aspartame. Insider sources reveal that the IARC is set to list aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” in July. This classification is intended to assess whether something is a potential hazard based on all the published evidence, although it does not consider safe consumption levels.
Findings from the Study
The review by Czarnecka et al. analyzes several studies investigating the impact of aspartame on cancer properties. While some studies indicate an increase in the expression of certain genes associated with cancer, such as the bcl-2 gene and oncogenes like c-myc and Ha-ras, the overall evidence remains inconclusive. It is worth noting that the studies conducted on rodents have shown mixed results, and the implications for humans are still uncertain. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential carcinogenic effects of aspartame.
Regulatory Status and Industry Response
Currently, aspartame is deemed safe by food safety regulators in many countries. However, the upcoming declaration by the IARC raises concerns about the need for continued research on the safety of this widely used artificial sweetener. The coordination and timing of assessments by the IARC and the WHO’s expert committee on food additives, known as JECFA, have also raised concerns about potential confusion among the public.
The food and beverage industry has responded to the concerns raised by reiterating the safety of aspartame based on the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the positive safety determinations by food safety authorities worldwide. The International Sweeteners Association emphasizes that aspartame is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients in history.
The controversy surrounding aspartame and its potential as a carcinogen continues to generate debate.
Reference
Czarnecka, K., Pilarz, A., Rogut, A., Maj, P., Szymańska, J., Olejnik, Ł., Szymański, P. (2021). Aspartame-True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products. Nutrients, 13(6), 1957. doi: 10.3390/nu13061957.
Rigby, J., & Naidu, R. (2023, June 30). Exclusive: WHO’s cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen -sources. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/whos-cancer-research-agency-say-aspartame-sweetener-possible-carcinogen-sources-2023-06-29/