Aspartame: Could the sweetener be possible cause of cancer? - BBC Newsnight

There are reports that Aspartame, the sweetener in products all over the world, from chewing gum to diet cola, is soon likely to be declared a possible carcinogen by the WHO's cancer research agency.

But what's the science behind such a potential move - and how justified would it be?

Newsnight’s Science and Technology Correspondent Kate Lamble explains.


—


#Newsnight #BBCNews

[clearandsweet]

Man I wish we had good reporting in America. This video was super helpful, thank you.

[EchoChaser]

They are so tricky with the wording. Aspartame itself isn’t the problem they would make it seem, but when digested Aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde causes cancer and that’s a fact. Honestly, we are better off using natural sugars but limiting the amount we use.

[westtxmutt]

Oh this again.
Said the same about SweetnLow 30+ yrs ago and eggs. Good for you, bad for you, now good for you.

The study group must need more money

[brianoconner]

Bottomline is, everything should be in moderation.

[carlossanchez]

What ever happened in the meeting that took place two weeks ago? Any new info?

[gareth]

Look into cancer patients getting better after cutting out SUGAR , Sugar is not good for us and the sugar lobby in the USA is huge , they even want to get it added to MILK , why ?

[dudejames]

Maybe the problem is that aspartame is regulated as a food and not as a drug, so manufacturers needn’t report product-induced adverse reactions. Or maybe it’s because we buy into the heavily marketed line that aspartame is A-OK. But when you read the evidence on aspartame facts, or learn some information, such as the fact that the US Air Force has warned its pilots to abstain from aspartame due to risk of seizures or vertigo, you may want to ask yourself: would you really prefer risking cancer and brain damage over having a few extra kilos?

[anngulliver]

Wouldn't asbestos be in group 1. In the 1950s Kent cigarettes contained microlite, a blue asbestos filter which was more dangerous than the cigarette itself.

[RovexHD]

Avoid all processed foods. Simple as that.

[Lommy]

Humans think they can abuse mice for their own sake.

[lukejs]

The funny thing is people will avoid aspartame because of these studies keep drinking alcohol 😂

[henryzhao]

I don’t know but if it’s 200 times sweeter than natural sugar what could possibly happen if I put that in my body

[randyboisa]

They said bacon will cause cancer in the 70's, im still here.

[fidelcatsro]

Diet Coke left the chat..
my coke zero bottle says it has Acesulfame K (not a single mention of Aspartame)...is that carcinogen too?

[rchlletters]

I know most cardiologists advise against artificial sweeteners because of the cardiac issues it causes….better to just give up sugar it’s not that big a deal and eventually you’ll find most things horribly too sweet (and lose like 10lbs without even doing anything extra)…

[windyhawthorn]

Artificial sweetener has been known to cause Cancer since before I was born. I first found this out in the 90s. I only eat sweetener like maple syrup, honey, cane sugar. Because I know how it's made and if you keep your use to moderation your okay. Real sugar isn't bad but not everything that is sweet is great for you.

[tarigyahia]

Bring back natural sugar. Better to be overweight than end up with cancer

[PraveenSrJ]

I will definitely give up all sodas 🥤 even in moderation after watching this video. Thank you so much for posting this video for me to see.

[lethalchickenable]

Crossing the road without looking might also kill you.

[Jen-Yueh_Hu]

Why would anyone want to drink diet coke? Either drink regular coke or don't drink it at all.