YUKA reveals, Aspartame: When Lobbying Dictates Science

YUKA reveals, Aspartame: When Lobbying Dictates Science

News: New Evidence Links Aspartame to Increased Cancer Risk

Recent investigations have raised significant concerns about the safety of aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener found in thousands of "sugar-free" and "diet" products. According to a comprehensive report by Yuka, emerging scientific studies suggest a potential link between regular aspartame consumption and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Key Findings

  • Increased Cancer Risk: A large-scale study from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort, involving over 100,000 adults, found that regular aspartame consumption was associated with a 15% increase in overall cancer risk. Notably, the risk for breast cancer was even higher, reaching up to 22%.
  • Potential Mechanisms: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggests that aspartame may contribute to cancer risk through mechanisms like oxidative stress. When metabolized, aspartame breaks down into compounds that can generate free radicals, potentially damaging cells over time.
  • Industry Influence: The report also highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest influencing public health decisions. Despite initial safety concerns and regulatory challenges, aspartame was reauthorized by the FDA in 1981, shortly after a new director was appointed with ties to the company that developed the sweetener.

🔗 Learn More

For a detailed exploration of these findings and their implications, read the full investigation by Yuka: Aspartame: When Lobbying Dictates Science.

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