Dr. Andrea Love, a cancer immunologist, joins the hosts to discuss the controversy surrounding the recent headlines about aspartame being listed as a possible carcinogen by the WHO. They explore the classifications of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the safety of aspartame consumption, and the controversy surrounding diet soda.
The classifications of substances based on their potential carcinogenicity by the IARC do not consider dosage, route of exposure, or duration of exposure, and substances in Group 1 have strong evidence of causing cancer in humans.
Flawed studies claiming a connection between aspartame and cancer were based on unrealistic high doses, and aspartame is metabolized into amino acids used to make proteins in the body, making it unlikely to cause cancer in humans.
Deep dives
Understanding the WHO's classification of substances
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a working group created by the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies substances based on their potential carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer). The classifications include Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans), Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and Group 3 (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity). These classifications do not consider dosage, route of exposure, or duration of exposure. It's important to note that substances in Group 1, such as tobacco and radiation, have strong evidence showing a causal relationship with cancer in humans, while substances in Group 2A and 2B have limited evidence or positive associations with cancer.
Aspartame and its classification
Aspartame, a widely studied non-nutritive sweetener, is classified as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) according to leaked information from the IARC. However, there is no clinical evidence linking aspartame consumption to cancer in humans. The flawed studies that claimed a connection between aspartame and cancer were based on flawed designs and extremely high doses that are unrealistic for human consumption. Aspartame is rapidly metabolized into two amino acids used to make proteins in the body. Therefore, there is no mechanistic reason for how aspartame could cause cancer in humans.
Misinterpretation of sucralose and DNA damage study
A study conducted on sucralose, another non-nutritive sweetener, found that a metabolite of sucralose caused DNA damage in cells grown in a petri dish at very high levels. However, this does not translate to a risk of DNA damage or cancer in humans. The study used doses far beyond what would be consumed by humans, and the metabolite tested is only found in trace levels in sucralose. The study's findings were blown out of proportion by the media and do not reflect the actual risk of consuming sucralose in normal amounts.
Drs. Karl and Spencer chat with Dr. Andrea Love, a cancer immunologist, about the recent headlines about the WHO listing aspartame as a possible carcinogen.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode