Headlines have been buzzing that the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to declare aspartame, the artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke, as a possible carcinogen. Does this mean Aspartame gives you cancer?
As usual, there are headlines and then there is what is really happening …
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is commonly used in various “diet” drinks and foods, including Diet Coke, sugarless chewing gum, and even yogurt. If you eat something sugar-free, you might well have consumed it.
World Health Organization and Aspartame
The cancer research arm of the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has assessed the potential carcinogenic effect of aspartame. The last study on aspartame by the WHO was conducted in 1981, and a new study is being undertaken in light of new research results.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) will update its risk assessment on aspartame, including the reviewing of the acceptable daily intake and dietary exposure assessment.
The results of both evaluations will be released simultaneously on July 14.
Yes, that means there haven’t even been official results yet!
So … Aspartame is bad for me?
No reason to panic yet, if at all.
There are three different categories of carcinogens:
Alcohol is in Class 1, which means there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.
Aspartame is apparently going to be a Class 2B. The WHO classification indicates limited evidence linking aspartame to cancer, placing it in the lowest category of three. There is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
What else have they rated 2B? Things like EMF from cell phones, ginkgo biloba, aloe vera, bracken ferns, and … carpentry.
Note no mention has been made of the dose of Aspartame that would be required to get cancer, which will be determined by the JECFA.
Pro-Aspartame Pushback
Celebrities and world leaders, including Tom Hanks, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Ben Affleck, and Elon Musk, have all declared their love for Diet Coke. As you can imagine, the sweetener fans will not go down without a fight.
The pending declaration has put the food industry on the defensive, with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mars Wrigley, and other companies expressing concern.
The International Sweeteners Association and the International Council of Beverages Associations have criticized the preliminary speculation about the IARC opinion and questioned its validity.
The classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen is the latest blow to sugar substitutes by the WHO, following its advice to stop using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control.
Previous rulings by the IARC, such as the classification of glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic,” have had significant impacts on businesses that use the ingredients.
Key Take-Away
Nothing has been announced yet, and when something concrete is announced it is likely that the advice will be to consume in moderation.
Nobody is taking away your Diet Coke just yet!
