Common Drinks and Foods Containing Aspartame: Potential Carcinogenicity Explored

Aspartame: A Potential Carcinogen in Common Foods and Drinks

The World Health Organization is considering labeling aspartame, a popular artificial sweetener found in various diet beverages and foods, as a probable carcinogen. Research suggests that aspartame may have negative effects on the brain and body, including a decreased release of mood-regulating hormones and potential headaches and dizziness. Although suppliers have criticized these associations, national guidelines are likely to classify aspartame as a potential cancer risk. The recommended daily limit of aspartame is currently 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. To stay informed, it's important to check food and drink labels as aspartame can be found in:

  • Diet soda, like Diet Coke
  • Sugar-free soda
  • Low-sugar juices
  • Sugar-free puddings and desserts
  • Sugar-free jams
  • Artificially sweetened gum
  • Cereals
  • Low-calorie coffee sweeteners

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Investigating the Potential Carcinogenicity of Aspartame: Updating Risk Assessments and Addressing Supplier Concerns

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in many diet beverages and foods, is currently under consideration by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be labeled as a probable carcinogen. Research has indicated potential negative effects of aspartame on the brain and body, including a decreased release of mood-regulating hormones and a possible association with headaches and dizziness.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the WHO, has been studying the potential carcinogenic effect of aspartame. On July 14th, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) will update its risk assessment exercise on aspartame, including reviewing the acceptable daily intake and dietary exposure assessment for this sweetener.

Suppliers have raised concerns and criticized the associations made between aspartame and cancer. However, national guidelines are likely to classify aspartame as a potential cancer risk. The WHO's label would categorize aspartame as a probable carcinogen, falling into the least effective carcinogen category. Currently, the recommended daily limit of aspartame is 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

To make informed choices, it's important to check food and drink labels for the presence of aspartame. Common products that may contain this artificial sweetener include diet soda, sugar-free soda, low-sugar juices, sugar-free puddings and desserts, sugar-free jams, artificially sweetened gum, cereals, and low-calorie coffee sweeteners. However, it's important to note that the amount of aspartame can vary among different brands.

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Summing it up

In conclusion, the potential carcinogenic effects of aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener found in various diet beverages and foods, are being considered by the World Health Organization (WHO). Research suggests that aspartame may have negative implications for brain and body health, including a potential decrease in the release of mood-regulating hormones and the risk of headaches and dizziness. Although suppliers have criticized these associations, national guidelines are leaning towards classifying aspartame as a potential cancer risk. Presently, the recommended daily limit for aspartame is 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. To stay well-informed, it is crucial to carefully examine food and drink labels since aspartame can be found in common products such as diet soda, low-sugar juices, artificially sweetened gum, cereals, and more. It's important to note that the amount of aspartame may differ among different brands. To keep up to date with health-related issues and gain valuable insights on working smarter and living better, consider subscribing to Well Adjusted, the newsletter offered by the Fortune Well team. By staying informed and making conscious choices, individuals can better navigate the potential risks associated with aspartame and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/well/2023/06/29/aspartame-carcinogen-common-foods/ Business Topic: Health