Paula Forcade, 11th Grade

Every day, Diet Coke attracts millions of people with its sweet, fizzy taste. However, underneath the enjoyment is a troubling question: Could this beloved drink be hiding a potential danger? At the heart of the issue is Aspartame, the artificial sweetener that gives Diet Coke its appeal. While some hail it as a groundbreaking sugar substitute, others view it as a “sweet poison” associated with serious health risks. Recent studies have raised concerns, and regulatory agencies are weighing in, leaving consumers at a critical juncture. Should we continue to indulge in this popular beverage, or is it time to reconsider our choices? The truth about aspartame has the potential to reshape our understanding of daily consumption and influence our approach to health and wellness in an increasingly complex world.

Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, was identified in 1965 for being around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It has been widely utilized in various products, from diet sodas to sugar-free desserts, enabling manufacturers to provide sweetness without the calories linked to sugar. Despite its popularity, Aspartame has faced scrutiny regarding its safety and potential health effects. In July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), based on limited evidence suggesting a link to liver cancer. This classification has raised concerns among consumers who regularly consume products containing aspartame, prompting many to question its safety and long-term effects on health.

Despite the IARC’s classification, major health organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assert that aspartame is safe for consumption within established limits. The FDA has examined over 100 studies evaluating aspartame’s safety and concluded that it poses no significant health risks for most people when consumed within recommended levels. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame is set at 40 mg per kg of body weight, which equates to about 20 cans of Diet Coke per day for an average adult—an amount few individuals would realistically consume. The disparity between the IARC’s findings and those of regulatory bodies like the FDA can be attributed to their differing mandates. The IARC focuses on identifying potential hazards without assessing risk levels, while the FDA evaluates both safety and risk-benefit profiles. Hence, while IARC’s classification raises concerns, it does not definitively indicate that Aspartame causes cancer at typical consumption levels, proved by a 2022 study that found that people who consumed higher amounts of aspartame had a slightly higher risk overall of developing cancer, especially breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. (Karimi M, 2021)

While cancer risk is a significant concern, other potential health effects associated with aspartame warrant attention. Some studies have indicated connections between high doses of aspartame and neurological issues such as headaches and mood changes.  As stated by a research paper by Czarnecka et al (2021) “In the body, aspartame is transformed into phenylalanine (Phy), aspartic acid and methanol. These metabolites can affect the neurochemical state of the brain and influence the level of neurotransmitters… with the resulting fall in dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain having serious consequences, such as depression.” There has even been conducted multiple experiments between them, one of forty individuals with a history of headaches or related neurological symptoms occurring within 24 hours after aspartame consumption were administered either a dose of 30 mg/kg aspartame or a placebo. (Shaher et al., 2023) This investigation adds to the ongoing evaluation of aspartame’s potential health implications. However, these findings often lack robust scientific support and are frequently contradicted by larger studies demonstrating no adverse effects. Furthermore, individuals with certain medical conditions—such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder—must avoid aspartame due to their inability to metabolize phenylalanine, one of its breakdown products. For these individuals, even small amounts can lead to severe health complications.

As consumers navigate the complexities surrounding aspartame and its role in our diets, it is vital to stay informed and make choices that align with personal health goals. While current evidence suggests that moderate consumption of aspartame is safe for most people, ongoing research will continue to clarify its long-term effects. The debate over whether aspartame is a “sweet poison” or a safe sugar substitute reflects broader societal concerns about food safety and transparency in the food industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of what they eat and drink, various regions in Latin America and Canada have already taken the initiative so that food products that contain aspartame are clearly listed among their ingredients. Additionally, specific warnings have been provided for individuals with PKU. These regulations are intended to promote transparency and consumer awareness concerning artificial sweeteners.

References:

Maldonado, A., MD. (2024, July 22). The real impact of aspartame on your health – BuzzRX. BuzzRx. https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/is-aspartame-bad-for-you

Artificial sweeteners and cancer. (2023, August 29). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet

The safety of aspartame. (n.d.). Safety of Aspartame. https://www.safetyofaspartame.com/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAspartame%20is%20one%20of%20the,general%20population%20under%20certain%20conditions.%E2%80%9D