What products contain aspartame? Here's a list of popular foods, beverages with the sweetener.
Last updated: June 29, 2023 / 5:59 PM / MoneyWatch
As a growing number of individuals in the United States avoid consuming sugar, artificial sweeteners have taken the opportunity to cater to people's taste preferences, with over 6,000 items produced using aspartame.
However, concerns are being raised regarding the safety of aspartame following a Reuters report stating that the cancer research division of the World Health Organization intends to declare the artificial sweetener as "potentially cancer-causing for humans."
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has examined the possible cancer-causing effects of aspartame. A spokesperson from the organization informed CBS MoneyWatch that the findings will be made public on July 14th. However, they did not verify the Reuters report regarding the IARC's determination on the safety of aspartame.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assesses the capacity of substances to induce cancer, whereas a separate World Health Organization (WHO) committee supervises guidelines regarding the permissible quantities of a product for human consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given its endorsement to aspartame for inclusion in food items, assuring the public that it is "safe for the general population." However, concerns regarding its safety have persisted, and a recent study published in the reputable journal Nutrients in 2021 acknowledged the challenging task of accurately anticipating the consequences of prolonged aspartame consumption.
Aspartame, also known as methyl ester, is a substance widely used as an artificial sweetener. It has gained popularity since its introduction in 1981 due to its low calorie content and sweetness that is approximately 200 times stronger than regular sugar. Various brand names such as Nutrasweet, Equal, and Sugar Twin are associated with this compound. According to information from the National Library of Medicine, aspartame has become a significant component in a range of food and drink products in North America, Asia, and Europe.
Based on numerous research, aspartame does not have any effect on blood sugar or insulin levels, which makes it a widely chosen sugar alternative in diabetic-friendly food products. Moreover, aspartame has been utilized by manufacturers in snacks, condiments, and beverages that contain less or no sugar, as there have been studies suggesting a connection between excessive sugar intake and different types of cancer.
Aspartame In Foods
Listed below are a few widely consumed food items and drinks that are known to contain aspartame:
Coca-Cola, the producer of Diet Coke, and other companies that produce food with aspartame did not respond promptly to comment requests.
Certainly, the types of sweeteners utilized in low-sugar items may differ, and businesses occasionally alter the components. To obtain the most precise details, customers ought to inspect the ingredient records on each product individually to authenticate if it includes aspartame or not.
Although many studies have found that aspartame is safe when consumed in moderation, certain research has shown a potential association between aspartame intake and cancer. A particular observational study conducted in France observed over 100,000 adults and inferred that those who consumed higher quantities of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, possessed a slightly increased likelihood of developing cancer.
Additionally, certain research studies have indicated that Aspartame could potentially lead to migraine episodes, convulsions, and feelings of sadness.
The FDA and American Cancer Society, on the other hand, continue to affirm that aspartame is secure for individuals to consume.
According to Robert Rankin, the head of the Calorie Control Council, a global organization that advocates for low- and reduced-calorie food and drinks, the statements made by the IARC were deceptive as they lacked proper context.
"We believe that consumers have the right to accurate information, and the reality is that aspartame has been proven safe and extensively researched as a food ingredient. This is why the Calorie Control Council is deeply concerned about any unsupported and deceptive claims that go against years of scientific evidence and international regulatory authorizations," he expressed in a statement provided to CBS News.
Based on the FDA's approved everyday threshold for synthetic sweeteners, an individual weighing 150 pounds would need to consume over 18 cans of zero-sugar soda on a daily basis to encounter significant adverse health effects caused by aspartame.
This article has been modified to rectify the previous mention of Smucker's in the compilation. Smucker's clarified that they do not utilize aspartame in their reduced-sugar preserves.
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