

Aspartame: WHO, “possibly carcinogenic”. What does that mean?
L’Aspartame is carcinogenic? Yes, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the arm of the World Health Organization, it could classify the widely used sweetener as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.“. The news has not been confirmed by IARC, but newspapers around the world are taking it for granted. The official announcement should come in July, most likely on the 14th.
In this article
The WHO had asked for the use of sweeteners to be avoided tout court
Just a few weeks ago always the World Health Organization He stressed that sweeteners should be avoided, causing a sharp reaction from companies that use them in their products. According to the WHO, the risk-benefit ratio is unbalanced in favor of the former.
Where is aspartame found and why is it so commonly used?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is low in calories 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. For this reason it is widely used in industry for:
- Beverages,
- the confectionery,
- Dairy products and those for weight control,
- Chewing gum,
- savory snacks,
- snacks,
- Yogurt,
- Ice.
The categories of the IARC
It should be remembered that IARC divides substances into four different categories:
- carcinogenic to humans
- probably carcinogenic,
- possible carcinogens,
- not classified as carcinogenic.
Is aspartame carcinogenic? What does it mean to be in Group 2B?
As far as the rumors of the news agency will be confirmed Reuters, Aspartame belongs to the third group or 2b as defined by the IARC. This statement means that There is no solid scientific evidence that a substance can increase the risk of cancer, but Some studies claim that there is a link between the substance and the development of cancer cells.
No information on the permitted doses of aspartame
This is therefore a preventive communication from the Institute. Now we are waiting for new studies on this topic that can confirm how and in what respect there is a link between this sweetener and cancer. Among other things, the IARC does not even specify the doses a person may consume of any substance on this list. However, it is often the constant use of a substance that increases the risk.
Aspartame was found to be carcinogenic in a study involving 100,000 people
The most cited study on aspartame and cancer is from last year. French researchers have examined the data of around 100,000 people. Analysis of the information gathered has shown that those who regularly consume aspartame have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than those who do not take it. You can read the results in the specialist journal Plos medication.
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