WHO warns against sweetener aspartame: Coke Zero and co. carcinogenic?
14.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
The sweetener aspartame may be carcinogenic, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Aspartame is found in many sweet drinks, yoghurts and chewing gum. Why you still don't need to panic.
What has been suspected for some time has now been confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its sub-organisation IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer): The sweetener aspartame can cause cancer. This sounds worrying at first. Most soft drinks without calories, chewing gum and some coffee and tea drinks contain aspartame. So is there any cause for concern?
How risky is aspartame really?
According to the IARC assessment, aspartame is categorised as "possibly carcinogenic" for humans. Nevertheless, the previously recommended daily dose of a maximum of 40 mg per kilogramme of body weight will not be changed. At this threshold, a person weighing 70 kilograms can drink 21 litres of Coke Zero per day. With such a quantity, aspartame would be less of a problem. It would be much more likely to cause hyperhydration.
Can I no longer consume products containing aspartame?
The IARC and JECFA have determined that aspartame is safe at normal consumption levels. To be on the safe side, you can briefly check the aspartame content of drinks and chewing gum. The sweetener is also listed under E951. Apps such as Yuka or Codecheck help you to quickly determine the aspartame content. Or you can switch to drinks and sweets that don't contain aspartame:
So there are alternatives to aspartame?
Yes, there are. Stevia, erythritol and xylitol are some of them. However, stevia is also considered questionable in some cases as it can trigger allergies.
Why doesn't the WHO ban aspartame?
The available scientific evidence is limited. More research is needed to better understand the potential carcinogenic risk of aspartame. The classification of aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic" means that there is limited but unconvincing evidence of cancer in humans or convincing evidence of cancer in animal studies, but not in both cases. The WHO and IARC will continue to identify new evidence and encourage independent research groups to conduct further studies on the possible link between aspartame and health effects in humans. <p
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.