Artificial sweeteners were first introduced into the market several decades ago, transforming the way we eat as even though they taste like sugar, they had less to no calories [1]. Aspartame is a low-calorie sugar substitute discovered in 1965, widely used since the 80s and is 200 times sweeter than sugar [2, 3]. Nowadays, aspartame can be found in an extensive range of products from diet sodas and sugar-free desserts to chewing gum and pharmaceutical products like cough syrup [2, 4]. However, recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified aspartame as a class 2B carcinogen [3]. This classification has created a lot of debate surrounding the safety of this product and raised concerns among consumers and health experts.
Before delving into aspartame’s classification, it is important to understand how the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies different products [5]:
Class 1: There is enough evidence in humans to be certain that it is linked to cancer. Some examples are tobacco, radiation, and processed meat like hot dogs.
Class 2A: There is limited evidence in humans but sufficient evidence in animals to say it probably causes cancer. For example, emissions from high-temperature frying oil or consumption of red meat.
Class 2B: There is limited evidence in humans and less than sufficient evidence in experimental animals, but it can possibly cause cancer. For example, some hair products or lead.
Class 3: There is not enough evidence in humans or animals and, therefore, it is unclassifiable as a cancer risk.
The IARC has classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen in humans, specifically linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) [3]. Due to the limited evidence available, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has maintained the acceptable daily intake of aspartame as 0-40 mg per kilogram of body weight [3]. For example, a diet soft drink contains between 200-300 mg of aspartame. Therefore, for a 70kg adult, this translates to consuming more than 9 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake. Since not many people consume nine cans a day, why are these organizations concerned about the aspartame intake?
Due to the fact that people consume many different products with aspartame throughout the day, it is the cumulative effect of all these products, that contribute to the daily aspartame intake, that raises concern. More importantly, studies have demonstrated that aspartame and other artificial sweeteners alter the gut microbiome, leading to glucose intolerance [6-8].
In conclusion, aspartame is safe in moderate amounts [2, 4], although research suggests that it is not healthier than sugar. The healthiest way to reduce sugar intake is by decreasing its amount or using natural sweeteners like dates, fruits, and honey.
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Written by: Maria
Edited by: Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to learn more, please comment below, or send us your questions.
References:
Pros and cons of artificial sweeteners (2023). Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936 (Accessed: 3 August 2023).
Aspartame (2023). Government of Canada. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/sugar-substitutes/aspartame-artificial-sweeteners.html (Accessed: 3 August 2023).
Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (2023). Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released (Accessed: 3 August 2023).
Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food (2023). FDA. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food (Accessed: 3 August 2023).
IARC Monographic Hazard Classification (2023). International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available at: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IARC_MONO_classification_2023_updated.png (Accessed: 3 August 2023).
Bokulich, NA., and Blaser, MJ (2014). “A bitter aftertaste: unintended effects of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome”, Cellular Metabolism; 20(5):701-703. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4494042/pdf/nihms703225.pdf
Suez J., et al. (2015). “Non-caloric artificial sweeteners and the microbiome: findings and challenges”, Gut Microbes; 6(2): 149-155. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4615743/pdf/kgmi-06-02-1017700.pdf
Suez J., et al. (2014). “Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota”, Nature; 514: 181-186. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13793
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