The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to declare that aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in Diet Coke and many other products, is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
The IARC’s classification is based on a review of several studies that have found a possible link between aspartame consumption and an increased risk of cancer. However, it is important to note that these studies are not conclusive, and more research is needed to determine whether aspartame is actually a carcinogen.
The FDA, which has approved aspartame for use in food and beverages, has stated that it does not believe that the sweetener poses a cancer risk. The agency has said that the studies cited by the IARC are flawed and that they do not provide enough evidence to conclude that aspartame causes cancer.
The WHO’s classification of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” is not a death sentence. It simply means that there is some evidence that the sweetener may increase the risk of cancer. However, it is important to note that the risk is still considered to be “possible” and not “likely.”
If you are concerned about the potential health risks of aspartame, you may want to consider limiting your intake of products that contain it. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.