According to a research released on Thursday by the World Health Organization, aspartame may “possibly” cause cancer in humans, according to a committee of 25 international experts.
Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight.
Since the 1980s, diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy goods including yogurt and morning cereal, toothpaste, and pharmaceuticals like cough drops and chewable vitamins have all employed aspartame, an artificial (chemical) sweetener.
Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO, stated, “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.”
In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for weight control or for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The WHO guideline is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence, which suggests that the use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. Results of the review also suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality in adults.
Post time: Jul-20-2023