WHO's cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen -sources
The World Health Organization (WHO) agency International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is set to declare the artificial sweetener aspartame a "possible carcinogen" in July. This means aspartame may potentially increase cancer risk based on published studies, though it does not determine a safe intake level. Aspartame is used in many drinks and foods like Diet Coke, chewing gum, and Snapple. While IARC rulings raise consumer concerns, they only assess hazard, not risk. Other WHO experts determine safe intake levels which inform regulations.The IARC ruling will put pressure on food companies to reformulate products.The IARC decision comes as another WHO committee reviews aspartame this year to determine a safe intake level. The committees' findings will be released together on July 14, potentially creating confusion for the public about aspartame's safety. Critics argue IARC rulings on potential carcinogens can be misleading without accompanying safe intake guidance.
Diet Pepsi does contain aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener. Here are some details:
• Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used as a sugar substitute in reduced-calorie and "diet" foods and drinks.
• Diet Pepsi has been made with aspartame since the early 1980s when it was first approved for use as a food additive.
• Aspartame breaks down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol in the body. There have been questions raised about the safety of aspartame, especially for people with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU).
• While aspartame is considered safe and approved by the FDA and other regulatory agencies worldwide, some studies have suggested possible links to health issues like headaches, seizures or certain cancers. However, the evidence is mixed and most major health organizations consider aspartame an acceptable sugar substitute.
• Some people choose to avoid aspartame due to the inconclusive research and some reports of side effects in sensitive individuals. If you want to avoid aspartame, you should check labels carefully or choose alternatives to diet soda.
So in summary, yes Diet Pepsi does contain aspartame as an artificial sweetener. Aspartame has been studied extensively but questions remain about its possible long-term health effects, especially at high levels of consumption. It is up to you to decide if you are comfortable consuming products made with aspartame based on the available research and your personal health objectives.
