
The Studies Show
Episode 3: Aspartame and the stupid list of things that cause cancer
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The IARC's list of carcinogens has been criticized for being inadequate and lacking proper context, as it fails to consider dose and individual risk factors.
- Aspartame, a commonly-used sweetener, has breakdown products that are relatively small compared to normal dietary intake, and there is no strong evidence linking it to adverse health effects.
Deep dives
The controversy surrounding the safety of talcum powder and aspartame
The podcast episode explores the controversy surrounding the safety of talcum powder and aspartame. It discusses how using talcum powder on the perineum has been linked to a possible risk of cancer, while aspartame, a sweetener found in diet drinks and low-calorie foods, is also believed to be possibly carcinogenic. The episode highlights the role of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which categorizes substances and activities based on their potential to cause cancer. It emphasizes the importance of considering the dose, evidence, and context when evaluating the potential risks. Overall, the episode examines the ongoing debate and provides insights into the evidence and factors influencing public perception of these controversial substances.