For insiders, the provision reinforces the need for more in-depth studies on this sweetener, present in various products, such as sugar-free Coca-Cola; intake limit was not changed
the artificial sweetener aspartame was classified as a compound “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency linked to the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, published on Thursday 13, classified the substance in the group known as 2b, which also includes aloe vera extract, electromagnetic radiation and digoxin, a drug indicated in the treatment of heart failure.
The work was carried out in collaboration with the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The two bodies conducted independent but complementary reviews of the scientific literature. While the IARC has the mission of informing whether a given substance is carcinogenic (or not) and to what extent, the JEFCA evaluates the dosage considered safe.
Aspartame fell into group 2b because IARC scientists found limited evidence that it causes cancer in humans, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer. They also reported that there is limited evidence for this link in animal studies and regarding possible mechanisms of action.
“We have limited evidence, and for one type of cancer. Therefore, this classification represents yet another invitation to the scientific community to carry out further research with the aim of better understanding the carcinogenic potential of aspartame,” Mary Schubauer-Berigan summarized. , representative of the IARC, during a press conference organized by the WHO.
Therefore, in parallel, the JECFA concluded that there is still no reason to change the maximum daily intake limit for aspartame, which is 40 milligrams per kilogram of weight.
Your aspartame review is especially welcome given the popularity of this artificial sweetener. known to be 200 times sweeter than sugar, enters the formula of several products. “Aspartame is mainly found in artificial and industrialized drinks”, comments the nutritionist Andrea Pereira, of the Albert Einsten Israelite Hospital (SP). The substance is also used to produce ice cream, yoghurt, chewing gum, sweets, sauces and other delicacies.
How to interpret the classification of aspartame?
The categories established by the IARC refer to the degree of evidence that something can cause cancer. In summary, see what defines each group:
- Group 1: carcinogenic to humans (there is sufficient evidence for cancer in humans);
- Group 2a: possibly carcinogenic to humans (there is limited evidence in humans, but sufficient evidence in animals);
- Group 2b: possibly carcinogenic to humans (there is limited evidence in humans and insufficient evidence in animals);
- Group 3: unclassifiable (the evidence is inadequate in humans or animals).
For oncologist Pedro Exman, of the Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital, the inclusion of aspartame in group 2b signals that it needs to be studied better in terms of its carcinogenic potential. “This list is not something that shows a direct relationship, but it raises a warning flag. It therefore means that there is a greater need for well-designed studies to confirm causality,” he reasons.
Exman also points out that usually several factors underlie the development of cancer. That is, the appearance of a tumor cannot be attributed to a single cause. Issues such as genetic predisposition and exposure to other carcinogens need to be considered. In his opinion, all this baggage that a person carries into life is important.
The last safety review of the artificial sweetener was carried out in 2013 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). No new evidence was found in it that aspartame could cause cancer. The nutritionist Luciana Grucci, head of the Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Technical Area of the National Cancer Institute (Inca), states that this artificial sweetener had already been in the sights of the IARC for many years as a priority for analysis.
Is it safe to consume?
The inclusion of aspartame by IARC in group 2b does not mean that the substance is prohibited. The JECFA report maintains the indication of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight as the safe daily limit. In a press conference on Wednesday, Francesco Branca, director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, stressed that this is a very significant figure.
For nutritionist Maria Eduarda de Melo, from Inca’s Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Technical Area, while the limit is indeed broad, that doesn’t mean that aspartame isn’t worth a cautious look. He notes that, in May of this year, based on a series of studies, the WHO stopped recommending the use of artificial sweeteners as a strategy for losing weight or avoiding diseases such as diabetes, topics that have always had a large charm. Therefore, it would not be a convenient substitute for sugar or a solution to public health dilemmas.
“And now comes this IARC classification. As much of a caveat, the question remains: if there’s no benefit, and it could be considered a carcinogen, why consume it?” he asks. “The best thing is to avoid it,” he stresses. “By adopting the precautionary principle, and considering that there may be a risk, we recommend not using sweeteners”, agrees my colleague Luciana Grucci.
In the ideal scenario, according to specialists, artificial sweeteners (in general) should be used by people who need them due to health conditions, such as patients with type 2 diabetes. doctor.
For those who need or want to continue using it, the message is to keep it under control. “The line of reasoning should be as follows: ingest within the safe amount,” recommends Cristine Feldman, an oncology nutritionist at the São Vicente de Paula Hospital Oncology Center, in Rio de Janeiro, and the D’Or Oncology Network.
“JECFA has once again reaffirmed the safety of aspartame after conducting a thorough, comprehensive and scientifically rigorous review. Aspartame, like all low or no calorie sweeteners, when used as part of a balanced diet, offers consumers the ability to reduce their sugar intake, a key public health goal,” said Frances Hunt-Wood, secretary general of the International Sweeteners Association (ISA).
Between sugar and sweetener, what to do?
For Branca, WHO, people – especially children – must avoid excessive intake of both sugar and artificial sweeteners. “There are alternatives that have neither, and they should take priority,” she commented. For him, the fundamental advice, based on what the scientific literature shows, is to focus on a reduction in the consumption of both substances on a daily basis.
Maria Eduarda, from Inca, points out that the big problem isn’t using aspartame to sweeten a cup of coffee, for example. Nowadays, the possibility of overdoing it is more related to the consumption of ultra-processed products. But these elements are increasingly associated with damage to various aspects of health. “The basis of the diet of the population must be made up of foods in nature or minimally processed,” indicates the nutritionist. In this sense, the message is to invest in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, beans and other legumes, natural juices with no added sugar, sugar-free dairy products, among others.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
