**Aspartame: A Possible Carcinogen and its Effects on the Brain and Body**
**Introduction**
Aspartame, the popular artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar, has long been used to provide sweetness to diet beverages while keeping them low-calorie. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now considering labeling aspartame as a possible carcinogen, raising concerns about its safety. This article examines the potential carcinogenic effect of aspartame and its impact on the brain and body.
**The World Health Organization’s Assessment of Aspartame**
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a division of the WHO, has conducted a study on the potential carcinogenic effect of aspartame. On July 14, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) will update its risk assessment exercise on aspartame. This includes a review of the acceptable daily intake and dietary exposure assessment for aspartame.
**Effects of Aspartame on the Brain and Body**
Numerous studies have investigated how aspartame affects the brain and body. Research suggests that there may be an association between aspartame consumption and a decreased release of dopamine and serotonin, which are hormonal neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood. Additionally, the consumption of aspartame has been linked to headaches and dizziness.
**Controversy and National Guidelines**
Suppliers of aspartame have been critical of the associations between the sweetener and adverse effects on health. However, national guidelines are planning to classify aspartame as a potential cancer risk. The WHO’s label categorizes aspartame as a “probable carcinogen,” placing it in the least effective carcinogen category.
**Recommended Daily Limit**
Currently, the recommended daily limit of aspartame is 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains approximately 180 mg of aspartame. It is important for individuals to be mindful of their aspartame intake and stay within the recommended limits.
**Foods and Beverages Containing Aspartame**
Until updated recommendations are released, it is essential to be aware of the most common foods and drinks that contain aspartame. It is important to note that every brand may have different formulations, so checking the label for ingredients is crucial. Here are some of the most popular foods and beverages that may contain aspartame:
1. Diet soda, such as Diet Coke
2. Sugar-free soda
3. Low-sugar juices
4. Sugar-free puddings and desserts
5. Sugar-free jams
6. Artificially sweetened gum
7. Cereals
8. Low-calorie coffee sweeteners
**Conclusion**
Aspartame, the widely used artificial sweetener, is currently under scrutiny by the World Health Organization for its potential carcinogenic effects. Research has also suggested that aspartame may have adverse effects on the brain and body, including a decreased release of mood-regulating hormones and the onset of headaches and dizziness. While national guidelines plan to classify aspartame as a probable carcinogen, it is crucial for individuals to monitor their intake and check labels for aspartame content in various food and drink products.
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