Artificial sweeteners are chemicals that are added to foods and beverages to make them taste sweet. Generally, they are considered harmless, contain zero calories but can still be harmful to health. Why? They can increase the risk of cancer by up to 13 percent, a study recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine showed.
Experts from the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research have tracked the diet and health of 100,000 people over eight years. Experts from the Sorbonne Paris Nord University were also part of this research. These participants’ artificial sweetener intake was compared to their cancer diagnosis by January 2021.
The study found a 13 percent higher risk of cancer in people who consumed large amounts of artificial sweeteners (79 milligrams per day). By the end of the study, 3,358 had been diagnosed with cancer. Of the 3,358, 982 had breast cancer, 403 had prostate cancer and 2,032 were diagnosed with obesity-related cancer.
The highest risk has been found in Aspartame, Acesulfame-K and Sucralose. Aspartame and acesulfame-K are being used in the UK for soft drinks such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero. Aspartame and Acesulfame-K are 200 times sweeter than sugar. These sweeteners are also being used in making products like curd and paneer.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, some experts have pointed out limitations in the study. He didn’t feel convinced, saying that this research doesn’t prove we shouldn’t use artificial sweeteners. No such relationship has been found in previous studies on humans, he says.
Dr Michael Jones said there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners cause cancer in humans. Fiona Osgun said the study suggested a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer, but that didn’t mean people needed to avoid them. Experts have also said that the risk of cancer can be reduced by taking a balanced diet.
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