Comprehensive Cancer Centers recommends moderation for the intake of any food additives, including Aspartame, as they could cause health issues.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is well aware of the health dangers associated with what individuals eat and drink. The practice’s foundation for food and beverage recommendations begins with moderation. Guidance begins with being aware of what you’re putting in your body when shopping for groceries and eating or drinking something when out and about.
With this in mind, Comprehensive took note of a report that the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), known as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), recently labeled aspartame as a potential health risk. The WHO labeled aspartame as a potential carcinogen – but one that shouldn’t present serious risks unless people intake high levels of the additive. The WHO also suggested additional research to learn more about its risks, which suggests ongoing diligence with the additive is recommended.
Aspartame is one of the world’s most widely used sweeteners and can be found in items such as diet soda, and sugar-free chewing gum. While the sweetener has been available to consumers since 1981, questions about the ingredient have remained among members of the scientific community. For the team at Comprehensive, the use of the sweetener goes back to moderation. Even if an artificial ingredient is fully approved, anything artificial should be used in moderation.
What is Aspartame and How Did It Become Part of So Many Foods?
Aspartame was invented through a collaborative effort between two chemists, James M. Schlatter and Leslie H. Searle, while working at the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company. The discovery of aspartame was accidental and occurred in 1965 when Schlatter was synthesizing a chemical compound known as aspartyl phenylalanine methyl ester.
During the process, Schlatter accidentally spilled a small amount of the compound on his hand. After licking his finger to pick up a piece of paper, he noticed a remarkably sweet taste. This unexpected discovery led to further investigation and the identification of aspartame as a highly potent artificial sweetener.
Aspartame is composed of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are naturally found in many protein-rich foods. Schlatter and his team realized that the combination of these amino acids created a substance that was approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar but with significantly fewer calories.
Following the accidental discovery, G.D. Searle & Company pursued extensive research and development to establish the safety and commercial viability of aspartame. After numerous studies, aspartame received approval from regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for use in various food and beverage products.
Since its introduction, aspartame has become one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners globally.
What Kind of Foods Use Aspartame?
Aspartame is very hard to escape, as it’s used in a wide range of food and beverage products as a low-calorie artificial sweetener. Some common foods and beverages that may contain aspartame include:
- Diet soft drinks: Many diet sodas and carbonated beverages use aspartame to provide sweetness without the calories.
- Sugar-free or low-calorie beverages: Aspartame is often used in powdered drink mixes, flavored water, iced tea, sports drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Sugar-free chewing gum: Aspartame is a popular sweetener in sugar-free gums, providing a sweet taste without contributing to tooth decay.
- Yogurts and dairy products: Some low-fat or sugar-free yogurts, puddings, and dairy-based desserts may contain aspartame.
- Breakfast cereals: Certain brands of breakfast cereals, particularly those marketed as low-calorie or sugar-free, may include aspartame as a sweetener.
- Sugar-free desserts and baked goods: Aspartame can be found in a variety of sugar-free or reduced-calorie desserts, such as cookies, cakes, and ice cream.
- Confectionery items: Certain sugar-free or low-calorie candies, mints, and sweeteners used in tabletop sugar substitutes may contain aspartame.
What Made Scientists Reconsider Aspartame?
An observational study from France among 100,000 adults came out in March 2022 that suggested those who consumed larger amounts of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, had a slightly higher risk of some cancers. This research, and others, still have the WHO looking into the additive for more insights.
As with many foods and beverages, research findings regarding their safety can evolve. Comprehensive Cancer understands that this can make people skeptical about changing their diets with the idea of something once being called unhealthy later being considered safe – or vice versa. When looking at the list of foods and drinks that contain the additive, it it can be largely avoided with a few simple dietary changes. Changes include drinking fewer diet sodas in favor of more water. Avoiding gum, cookies and candies is also helpful. If you need something to add to coffee or tea, honey, lemons or mint are excellent natural and flavorful alternatives.
While science can definitely evolve with regard to food safety, eating as clean as possible while integrating towards portion control will always remain a smart way to stay healthy and avoid many health issues. Again, no need to give everything up, but think in moderation.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients in Southern Nevada. To schedule an appointment with Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
