The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released assessments regarding the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame.
The IARC classifies aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on limited evidence for cancer in humans, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. On the other hand, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame.
Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO, emphasized the importance of continuously expanding scientific research to assess possible factors contributing to cancer and to reduce the global toll of cancer-related deaths.
He stated, “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.”
The IARC and JECFA conducted independent but complementary reviews to evaluate the potential carcinogenic hazard and other health risks associated with aspartame consumption. This marked the first evaluation of aspartame by the IARC and the third evaluation by JECFA. Both assessments acknowledged limitations in the available evidence for cancer and other health effects.
Dr. Mary Schubauer-Berigan of the IARC Monographs program highlighted the need for further research to refine the understanding of whether consumption of aspartame poses a carcinogenic hazard.
She stated, “The findings of limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and animals, and of limited mechanistic evidence on how carcinogenicity may occur, underscore the need for more research.”
Dr. Moez Sanaa, Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition Unit at the WHO, stated that JECFA considered the evidence on cancer risk in animal and human studies and concluded that the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans is not convincing. H emphasized the necessity for better studies, longer follow-ups, and randomized controlled trials to understand the potential mechanisms related to carcinogenicity.
The evaluations by IARC and JECFA were based on scientific data collected from peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and studies conducted for regulatory purposes. Both committees ensured the independence and reliability of their evaluations by involving independent experts.
The WHO and IARC will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to conduct further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and its effects on consumer health.
Source: WHO, IARC, JECFA