(IntegrityPress.org) – According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) recently, a committee of 25 international experts has concluded that aspartame may have a “possible” link to cancer in humans. However, this classification is based on limited evidence and does not change the recommended daily limit for the consumption of aspartame.
Dr. Francesco Branca, the director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO, stated during a press conference that normal consumption of aspartame is not considered a risk for most people who drink products with the sweetener. The concern is mostly for people who consume aspartame more than the average person.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not agree with the “cancerous” classification and asserts that aspartame is safe based on available evidence. The FDA official stated that the classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” does not imply a direct link to cancer. The WHO has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at a maximum of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. This allows for significant consumption, much higher than what most people typically consume.
Aspartame gained approval as a sweetener in the U.S. in 1974, and Coca-Cola introduced it in Diet Coke during the 1980s. While it gained popularity, skeptics and critics have voiced concerns. Recent studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners may increase food cravings and impact the microbiome. Some studies also indicated potential cancer risks, prompting the WHO to conduct a comprehensive review. Scientists emphasize the need for more long-term research since the development of cancer can take years after exposure to carcinogens.
Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, acknowledges the lack of conclusive evidence when it comes to the long-term effects of aspartame consumption and calls for further research to provide clearer answers on its potential cancer risk. The existing studies seem to have limitations, as they have not accurately tracked the amount of aspartame consumed over time.
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