Unexplainable Should you quit Diet Coke?
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Feb 7, 2024 Exploring the safety concerns of aspartame as a possible carcinogen and the influence of the beverage industry. Discusses conflicting studies, industry funding of research, and biases in food and nutrition studies. Provides advice on evaluating research and mentions a women's marathon event.
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Unclear Safety of Aspartame
- Aspartame is classified by WHO as a possible carcinogen but scientific evidence isn't clear or convincing.
- It's one of the most studied food additives yet research remains inconclusive due to complexity and industry influence.
John Olney’s Aspartame Challenge
- Neurologist John Olney challenged FDA approval of aspartame due to concerns about brain tumors.
- His findings sparked controversy and critiques, some funded by aspartame's manufacturer NutraSweet.
Funding Bias in Aspartame Research
- The funding source strongly correlates with study conclusions on aspartame safety.
- Industry-funded studies tend to report reassuring results; independent studies often find less reassurance.