Artificial sweetener
Also known as: APM, E951, N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, aspartyl-phenylalanine methyl ester, NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel
Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar, widely used in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and tabletop sweeteners. It is approved as a food additive in the US and EU, and is also assigned the European food additive number E951.
IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer).
In July 2023 the WHO's cancer agency (IARC) classified aspartame as Group 2B, 'possibly carcinogenic to humans,' citing limited evidence for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
JECFA concluded that the data evaluated indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame.
The WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reaffirmed aspartame's acceptable daily intake of 0-40 mg/kg body weight in July 2023, finding it safe to consume within that limit.
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