Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in drinks and food. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that aspartame “possibly” causes cancer in humans. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration responded that it does not have safety concerns when aspartame is used in approved amounts.

Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener found in drinks like Diet Coke and foods like sugar-free Jell-O. The FDA first approved the sweetener in 1974, but there has been some debate surrounding the sweetener since then. 

On July 14th, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO agency, released results suggesting a possible association between aspartame and liver cancer. However, there is not enough evidence to link aspartame with cancer in humans. 

The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/WHO Expert Committee of Food Additives and the FDA affirmed that aspartame is safe in acceptable amounts. The recommended upper limit is 40 milligrams (mg) of aspartame per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. For an adult weighing 180 pounds (82 kg), that’s about 16 cans of diet soda.

Experts and healthcare professionals continue to advise moderation in aspartame use. Some studies have linked aspartame to obesity and diabetes.  

It is important to consult healthcare professionals if you have any further questions regarding aspartame and its safety.

Scientists and healthcare professionals continue to call for further research on aspartame.