Is There a Relationship Between Aspartame, Diet Coke, and Cancer?

Question

For the average person, aspartame is not known to pose any serious risks or major side effects. To put it simply: Diet Coke is not associated with cancer.

Answer 1

There is a relationship between aspartame, diet coke, and cancer. Aspartame, according to the FDA, is a "dipeptide composed of primarily two amino acids, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid". To put it simply, it's a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. The article you referenced stated that aspartame might be a carcinogen, but it also clarified that there’s no direct link between this artificial sweetener and cancer. Another medical study also supports this conclusion, stating that there is no convincing evidence that says either avoiding or using artificial sweeteners can negatively or positively impact cancer development. Most experts agree that it’s wise to reduce processed sugar intake, as consuming too much can contribute to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases that elevate cancer risk. Overall, it can be said that while sugar can increase your risk of getting cancer, it does not directly cause it. 

Comments

I appreciate the embedded links in your fact check! I also think the sources cited were probably the best possible for the response given to the question. I also think it was smart to provide your stance on the statement first.

Answer 2

There is a relationship between aspartame and cancer, but the quantity needed to consume for these risks to be fulfilled, is much more than than what almost anyone drinks. According to both the World Health Organization and the FDA, " the acceptable daily intake of aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day and says approved sweeteners are safe when used in moderation" (Karimi). This translates to " 17-18 cans of diet soda, 75 Equals or Nutrasweets, 23 Splendas, Sweet Ones or Newtames, 45 Sweet’N Lows, 9 Truvias" which is significantly more than what most people consume in a week. The American Cancer Society has come to a similar conclusion, stating, "The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated" (ACS). Ultimately, consuming diet coke or aspartame is completely safe, unless, consumption reaches huge amounts, and even then, the risk of developing anything increases, but is not guaranteed.  

https://www.cityofhope.org/aspartame-and-cancer-risk-should-you-put-down-the-diet-coke

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/aspartame.html

Comments

This answer is very well thought out and expressed. I appreciate that you added a small summary of your entire answer as the last sentence, kind of putting everything together. That is super reassuring to have at the end of your answer. Your answer also cited your references, which is super helpful for me to go directly to those linked articles. I also think the quote you added was the perfect touch to emphasize just how much of it is needed to increase risks, it really gave me a point of view on that part. Great answer all together!