Aspartame: a controversial but still present sweetener in our food
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in many food and drink products, was recently reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The conclusions of this assessment have raised many controversies and questions about the safety of this food additive.
The WHO has in fact qualified aspartame as “possibly” carcinogenic to humans. However, the organization stressed that the daily dose considered safe remains unchanged. In other words, consumers are not asked to completely stop their consumption of aspartame, nor are companies to withdraw their products containing this sweetener.
In reaching this conclusion, the WHO relied on limited studies suggesting a possible relationship between aspartame and certain types of cancer in humans, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. However, further studies are needed to further clarify the situation.
This WHO assessment is in line with that of the Joint WHO and FAO Expert Committee on Food Additives, which concluded that the acceptable daily intake of aspartame, established since 1981, remains valid. According to this dose, a person can safely consume aspartame as long as it does not exceed 40 mg per kilogram of body weight.
It is important to note that to exceed this acceptable daily intake, a person weighing 70 kg would have to consume more than 9 to 14 cans of “light” soft drinks containing aspartame per day. This underlines that the consumption of this sweetener remains relatively low as part of a balanced diet.
Aspartame is widely used in low calorie beverages, ready meals, chewing gum, ice cream and many other food products. It is also present in some medications and personal care products, such as cough drops and toothpaste.
Despite the controversies surrounding aspartame, it should be remembered that its use is regulated in many countries and has been extensively studied to ensure its safety. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consume products containing aspartame in moderation, while favoring a balanced and diversified diet.
In conclusion, the WHO assessment on aspartame has sparked debates about its safety as a food additive. Although considered “possibly” carcinogenic, its acceptable daily intake remains unchanged. It is therefore important to maintain a moderate consumption of aspartame as part of a balanced diet