October 2007
Aspartame & saccharin: Debate continues
Ever since the government first approved aspartame for use in 1981, debate has raged about its possible risks. Contrary to
Internet reports, health authorities say there's no credible evidence that aspartame causes seizures, lupus, multiple sclerosis,
Alzheimer's disease, severe allergic reactions, or several other maladies.
Whether aspartame contributes to cancer is more controversial. In two large European studies published in 2005 and 2007, researchers found that feeding rats aspartame at simulated doses at or below levels considered safe for humans increased the rats' risk of leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.
More than 100 other studies on aspartame have found no increased risk to the average human. Some consumer advocates have called on the FDA to reevaluate aspartame's safety, but the agency says it sees no reason to alter its position that aspartame is safe. Those who should definitely avoid aspartame are people with the rare disorder phenylketonuria, or PKU, who must limit their intake of phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame.
The oldest artificial sweetener, saccharin, was almost banned in 1977 after studies in rats linked it to bladder cancer. But research in humans largely failed to turn up that risk, with the possible exception (in one study) of people consuming six or more servings a day. In 2000, the government's National Toxicology Program delisted saccharin as a possible carcinogen.
The experts we consulted say that aspartame and saccharin are fine in moderation. But if you're concerned, sucralose is another option. Though long-term evidence is lacking, studies so far haven't raised any cancer concerns.
Whether aspartame contributes to cancer is more controversial. In two large European studies published in 2005 and 2007, researchers found that feeding rats aspartame at simulated doses at or below levels considered safe for humans increased the rats' risk of leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.
More than 100 other studies on aspartame have found no increased risk to the average human. Some consumer advocates have called on the FDA to reevaluate aspartame's safety, but the agency says it sees no reason to alter its position that aspartame is safe. Those who should definitely avoid aspartame are people with the rare disorder phenylketonuria, or PKU, who must limit their intake of phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame.
The oldest artificial sweetener, saccharin, was almost banned in 1977 after studies in rats linked it to bladder cancer. But research in humans largely failed to turn up that risk, with the possible exception (in one study) of people consuming six or more servings a day. In 2000, the government's National Toxicology Program delisted saccharin as a possible carcinogen.
The experts we consulted say that aspartame and saccharin are fine in moderation. But if you're concerned, sucralose is another option. Though long-term evidence is lacking, studies so far haven't raised any cancer concerns.
