Aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly found in foods and drinks like Diet Coke, has been the subject of debate over its potential health risks, particularly regarding cancer. Despite widespread concern, current evidence suggests that the average person’s consumption of aspartame is not linked to cancer.
Aspartame in the News
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). This classification indicates limited evidence of aspartame causing cancer in humans, specifically liver cancer, and similarly limited evidence from animal studies. This announcement sparked public concern due to aspartame’s prevalence in everyday consumables.
Understanding IARC’s Classification
The IARC’s classification system ranges from:
- Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
- Group 3: Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans
- Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans
Aspartame’s classification in Group 2B means there is some evidence, but it is not strong enough to be conclusive.
FDA’s Response to IARC Classification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disagreed with the IARC’s findings, citing significant shortcomings in the studies referenced. The FDA maintains that aspartame is one of the most extensively studied food additives and has reviewed over 100 studies on its safety, including its effects on the reproductive and nervous systems, carcinogenicity, and metabolism. The FDA has no safety concerns about aspartame at current consumption levels.
JECFA’s Position
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) also reviewed aspartame’s safety in 2023. JECFA found no convincing evidence linking aspartame to cancer in humans and did not change its recommended acceptable daily intake. They noted that aspartame breaks down into substances similar to those produced by other foods, and there is no known mechanism by which oral exposure to aspartame could cause cancer.
Research on Aspartame and Cancer
A few studies have suggested a potential cancer risk with aspartame consumption. For instance, a 2016 study noted an association with liver cancer. However, subsequent large-scale studies have found no strong link between diet soda consumption and cancers like leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and myeloma. A 2023 review of numerous studies concluded that there is no significant evidence linking artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, to cancer.
Current Recommendations for Aspartame Consumption
Regulatory bodies like the FDA, JECFA, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have set acceptable daily intake levels for aspartame. The FDA’s acceptable daily intake is 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, while JECFA and EFSA recommend 40 mg per kg. For an adult weighing 70 kg (154.3 lb), this translates to consuming more than 9 to 14 cans of diet soda daily to exceed these limits, far more than typical consumption.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
For most people, consuming aspartame within the acceptable daily intake does not pose significant risks. However, there are concerns about weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke linked to the consumption of sweeteners in general, which may include aspartame. There is limited evidence suggesting a risk of preterm delivery, though this is not well-supported by other studies. The primary confirmed risk is for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic condition preventing the breakdown of phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame. These individuals must avoid aspartame to prevent potential brain damage.
Conclusion
There is currently no strong evidence to suggest that aspartame causes cancer or other serious health issues for the general population. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and JECFA affirm that consuming up to 40 or 50 mg per kg of body weight daily is safe. Given that a can of diet soda contains only a small amount of aspartame, most people are unlikely to exceed these recommendations. Thus, for the average person, aspartame consumption at typical levels does not pose significant health risks.