The announcement that the World Health Organization will add aspartame to its list of 'substances that are possibly carcinogenic' has fueled debates about the health effects of this artificial sweetener. Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, clarifying the potential health effects of aspartame, states that research generally has not yielded negative results. However, he emphasizes that since each individual's health condition is different, a health expert should be consulted before consuming any sweetener, and underlines that the WHO's decision should be carefully evaluated.
Its use should be restricted, considering it may have a carcinogenic effect!
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of the Department of Biosecurity at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, made evaluations regarding the negative health effects of aspartame, a substance used as an artificial sweetener in many products.
WHO prepares to add aspartame to the list as a potential carcinogen
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu stated that there have been long-standing discussions about the health effects of aspartame, an artificial substance used as a sweetener in many diet products, saying, “It is found in many food and beverage products due to its low-calorie content and sweet taste. The recent announcement that the World Health Organization will add aspartame to its list of 'substances that are possibly carcinogenic' has fueled debates about its health effects.”
Its use should be restricted!
Clarifying the potential negative effects of aspartame on health, Yılancıoğlu placed cancer risk at the top of the list and continued as follows:
“There are many claims regarding aspartame's association with cancer. However, authorities such as the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the World Health Organization have not directly linked aspartame to cancer as a primary factor until now. Despite this, the WHO is preparing to add aspartame to the list as a potential carcinogen. Of course, they could not make such a harsh statement that would directly target a multi-billion dollar sweetener industry. This is actually a serious warning; its use should be restricted, considering it may have a carcinogenic effect one way or another.”
Sweeteners negatively affect gut flora
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, reminding that aspartame is also preferred by people aiming for weight loss or weight management due to its low-calorie content, said, “Some studies suggest that aspartame may increase appetite and lead to weight gain. However, the results of studies on this topic are conflicting, and more research is needed. But we do know that sweeteners negatively affect the beneficial bacteria that make up our gut flora, or microbiota. This situation alone can accelerate weight gain.”
Also stating that some people report aspartame causing symptoms like migraines or headaches, Yılancıoğlu added, “However, studies on this matter have not provided definitive proof that aspartame triggers migraines. It is suggested that individuals with migraines may reduce symptoms by decreasing aspartame consumption.”
WHO’s decision should be carefully evaluated
Yılancıoğlu also stated that the metabolic effects of aspartame are controversial, saying, “Some studies show that aspartame can affect blood sugar and insulin levels. However, whether these effects are clinically significant is still unclear. Furthermore, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes is among the claims about aspartame. As a reason for this, it is argued that sweeteners disrupting the gut microbiome thus lead to metabolic diseases like diabetes. Gut bacteria also need sugar, and the sweetener molecules offered to them instead of sugar can disrupt their metabolism and harm beneficial bacteria.”
Yılancıoğlu concluded his remarks by summarizing the various views on aspartame and its health effects as follows:
“Although some people have reported the potential harms of aspartame, many health authorities and research institutions state that aspartame is safe, but also advise caution. However, since each individual's health condition is different, it is important to consult your own healthcare professional before consuming any sweetener. In addition to these, the WHO's decision should be carefully evaluated. This is a message of sorts…”