Is Diet Soda Sweetner Aspartame Really Cancerous? What May Be Other Sugar Alternatives? Experts Speak

Regulatory authorities around the world have deemed aspartame safe for human consumption within recommended limits.

Did you just find out that diet coke can also be cancerous? Well, it’s not all bad. sugar, artificial sweeteners often border on health risk. While there are several alternatives to sugar, not all of it is entirely healthy. Aspartame is the artificial sweetener used in cocoa cola, diet coke, and many other foods and beverages. In a recent development, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is expected to list aspartame, which is used in products ranging from diet sodas to Coca-Cola to Extra chewing gum. de Mars, in July as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

What is aspartame?

To understand the truth about India,com contacted experts. Dr Yogesh Jain, Director of ENT and Academics at Karkinos Healthcare, speaking exclusively to us, said: “Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener, approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is used as a sugar substitute in many foods and beverages, including diet sodas, chewing gum, and some desserts. It is also used in some prescription drugs. Aspartame is made from methanol and the two naturally occurring amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are also components of protein in our bodies and in food. ”

In recent years, concerns have been raised about the possible connection between the consumption of aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly used in various food and drink products, and cancer risk.

It is important to note that extensive research has been conducted to study the safety of aspartame consumption, and its safety profile is consistently reiterated by regulatory authorities around the world. Organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reviewed numerous studies and concluded that aspartame is safe for consumption. human within the established recommended daily intake limits.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Nikhil S Ghadyalpatil, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, in another exclusive conversation with india.com added that, “However, concerns about aspartame and cancer risk they have persisted, spurred on by anecdotal evidence and conflicting research results. Some studies reported a potential increase in certain types of cancer, while others failed to establish a conclusive link. However, most scientific studies have not found any substantive evidence to support the claim.”

Are there alternatives to sugar that can be used?

There are a number of sugar alternatives that can be used in place of aspartame. These can be natural, artificial, or sugar alcohols.

1. Natural Sweeteners: Natural alternatives include honey, maple syrup, and stevia. These are generally healthier than refined sugar, but should still be used sparingly.
2. Artificial sweeteners: In addition to aspartame, there are other artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. These are often used in diet drinks and low-calorie products.
3. Sugar alcohols: Sugar alcohols such as xylitol, erythritol, and sorbitol are less sweet than sugar, but have fewer calories and do not raise blood sugar levels as much.

The truth about stevia?

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the stevia plant. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories. Erythritol and xylitol are sugar alcohols found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, they are about 70% as sweet as sugar and have about half the calories.

It is important to note that not all sugar alternatives are safe for everyone. For example, stevia can cause allergic reactions in some people. It’s also important to talk to your doctor before using sugar alternatives if you have any health problems, such as diabetes.

While concerns about aspartame and cancer risk have been raised, extensive scientific research has not provided conclusive evidence to support these claims. Regulatory authorities around the world have deemed aspartame safe for human consumption within recommended limits. However, for those who prefer alternatives, natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit extracts offer viable options that provide sweetness without the potential risks associated with aspartame. As always, people should consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions aligned with their specific healthcare needs.