Aspartame: Is it Safe?

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been used in a variety of foods and beverages for over 40 years. It is often used as a sugar substitute in diet sodas, gum, and other products.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) based on limited evidence from animal studies. However, the FDA has not changed its position on aspartame, stating that it is safe for human consumption.

There is some conflicting evidence on the safety of aspartame. Some studies have shown that it may increase the risk of cancer, while others have found no association. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of aspartame consumption.

If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, you may want to limit your intake or choose other sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• The WHO's classification of aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic" does not mean that it is definitely a carcinogen. The evidence is simply not strong enough to say for sure.
• The FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person could safely consume up to 2,400 milligrams of aspartame per day.
• There is some evidence that aspartame may increase the risk of headaches, seizures, and mood disorders. However, these effects are rare and usually only occur at high doses.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to avoid aspartame, as there is not enough research to determine its safety for these populations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume aspartame is a personal one. You should weigh the risks and benefits and decide what is best for you.

Key Points:

• The WHO's classification of aspartame is based on a review of animal studies that showed an increased risk of cancer in some animals. However, it is important to note that animal studies do not always translate to human health outcomes.
• The FDA's position on aspartame is based on a review of human studies that have not shown an increased risk of cancer. The FDA also considers the amount of aspartame that people typically consume in their diet.
• If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, you may want to limit your intake or choose other sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit.