Aspartame is a commonly used artificial sweetener, which is found in many foods and drinks. Many people have raised concerns about the safety of aspartame and its potential link to cancer. In this article, we will explore the research on aspartame and cancer, as well as the safety regulations surrounding its use.
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in many foods and drinks. It is made up of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are found naturally in many foods. Aspartame is commonly used in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie foods and drinks.
Is Aspartame Safe?
Aspartame has been approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies around the world. The FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 150-pound person could safely consume 22 packets of aspartame per day without any adverse effects.
However, some people may be sensitive to aspartame and experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and digestive problems. It is important to note that these side effects are not linked to cancer.
Research on Aspartame and Cancer
There have been numerous studies conducted on the safety of aspartame and its potential link to cancer. The majority of these studies have found no evidence of a link between aspartame and cancer.
A review of over 500 studies on aspartame and its safety concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that aspartame causes cancer or other health problems. The review was conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and published in the scientific journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology.
Another study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found no link between aspartame consumption and an increased risk of cancer. The study followed over 500,000 people for 10 years and found no association between aspartame consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research suggests that aspartame is safe for consumption and there is no evidence to suggest that it causes cancer. However, some people may be sensitive to aspartame and experience side effects. It is important to follow the recommended daily intake and to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.