Artificial sweeteners were once promoted as a healthier alternative to sugar for those looking to avoid weight gain. However, research has since emerged indicating that artificial sweeteners may pose health risks, including potential links to cancer. Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener found in many food and beverage products, is under scrutiny by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for its potential carcinogenic properties.
While regulatory authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration believe that aspartame is safe for consumption within acceptable levels, some experts caution against its use due to potential increased cancer risk, particularly for breast cancer. Other artificial sweeteners like acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate, and stevia have also been identified as potentially carcinogenic in certain studies. However, individual tolerance and moderation in consumption should be considered for both sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is important to follow a balanced diet and lifestyle to minimize health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.
Artificial sweetener aspartame may cause cancer – Detail Points
– Artificial sweeteners were first popularized as a healthy substitute for sweets to help you enjoy sweet treats without gaining weight
– However, research has surfaced stating artificial sweeteners can be unhealthy and cause cancer and other health risks
– Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, is under scrutiny for its possible carcinogenic effects
– The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is preparing to release a report stating that aspartame is possibly carcinogenic
– The carcinogenic dose of aspartame is not yet defined, but earlier reports indicate an increased risk of cancers associated with aspartame intake
– Regulatory authorities have reviewed the safety of aspartame and concluded it is safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels
– Experts advise avoiding foods containing aspartame and suggest moderation and individual tolerance for artificial sweeteners
– While limiting intake of artificial sweeteners is recommended, excessive sugar consumption can also be harmful to health so it should be consumed within recommended doses.
Artificial sweetener aspartame may cause cancer – FAQ’s
Is the artificial sweetener, aspartame a possible carcinogen?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body, is preparing to release a report stating that aspartame is possibly carcinogenic, which basically means having the potential to cause cancer. However, regulatory authorities around the world, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have extensively reviewed the safety of aspartame and have concluded that it is safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels.
What are experts saying about aspartame?
Dr Arushi Agarwal, a Consultant Oncologist at Asian Hospital, states that aspartame is likely to be classified as a “possible carcinogen to humans” based on past results that show an overall increased risk of malignancies, especially breast cancer and cancers connected to obesity, associated with aspartame intake. However, the actual carcinogenic dose of aspartame is not yet identified.
Other artificial sweeteners that may increase cancer risk
Other artificial sweeteners that might increase cancer risk include acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate, and stevia. They have been found to be potentially carcinogenic in certain animal studies or in human studies with small sample sizes only, as per several leading health authorities.
Should you eat sugar instead of artificial sweeteners?
It is not recommended to eat excessive amounts of sugar either, as it can prove to be dangerous for your health and can lead to obesity. It is advised to consume sugars as well as artificial sweeteners well within recommended doses as excess of everything may be harmful.
