Artificial sweeteners aren’t exactly everyone’s favorite in the nutrition world. They were first popularized as a healthy alternative to sweets because they help you enjoy sweet treats without gaining weight. At first, they seemed to be the best, but research soon emerged showing that artificial sweeteners were unhealthy. Many such claims have been made in research in the last few years. Researchers have found that artificial sweeteners cause cancer and present other health risks. One of the widely used artificial sweeteners called aspartame is being investigated for its potential side effects.
Is the artificial sweetener, aspartame, a possible carcinogen?
For those unaware, aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener used in a wide range of food and beverages as a sugar substitute. It is found in diet soda, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, and many other artificially sweetened products. A commonly used sweetener is being investigated by cancer experts at the leading global health authority the World Health Organization (WHO) for being carcinogenic. WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is preparing to release a report stating this. artificial sweeteners are Possibly carcinogenic, which basically means they have the potential to cause cancer.
The actual carcinogenic dose of aspartame has not yet been defined, but based on earlier reports showing an overall increased risk of cancer, in particular, breast cancer and obesity-related cancer, associated with aspartame consumption, this statement is more likely to be true. , Therefore, it would be advisable to avoid consuming foods containing aspartame.
However, the classification of aspartame as a probable carcinogen by the IARC does not mean that it has definitely been proven to cause cancer. cancer, Studies on aspartame have shown mixed results, and some experts argue that the available evidence is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship between aspartame and cancer.
Regulatory authorities around the world, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have comprehensively reviewed the safety of aspartame and concluded that it is safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels. These organizations have considered the overall body of scientific evidence and determined that the current data do not support the claim that aspartame poses a significant cancer risk.
What are experts saying about aspartame?
Aspartame is likely to be classified as a “probable carcinogen to humans”. There is a significant possibility that this is accurate based on previous results showing an overall increased risk of particularly fatal diseases Breast Cancer And obesity-related cancers are linked to aspartame consumption. However, the actual carcinogenic dose of aspartame has not yet been identified. Therefore, it would be advisable to avoid the consumption of foods containing aspartame Dr. Aarushi AggarwalConsultant Oncologist at Asian Hospital.
Other Artificial Sweeteners That May Increase Cancer Risk
Other artificial sweeteners that may increase cancer risk include acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate, and stevia. According to several leading health authorities, these have been found to be potentially carcinogenic in some animal studies or only in human studies with small sample sizes.
It is important to note that individual reactions to artificial sweeteners can vary, and some people may experience adverse effects or sensitivities to specific ingredients. Like any food or supplement, experts say, moderation and individual tolerance should be taken into account.
Should you eat sugar instead of artificial sweeteners?
Although limiting the intake of artificial sweeteners is recommended, this does not make sugar a better alternative. Consuming sugar can prove dangerous for your health. Dr. Aggarwal recommends following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, as well as keeping your sugar intake within your recommended calorie intake. Excess sugar can lead to obesity, which can result in an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to consume sugars as well as artificial sweeteners within the recommended dosage as excess of everything can be harmful.