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This Natural, Zero-Calorie Sweetener Could Be a Secret Weapon Against Cancer (www.sciencealert.com)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/science@lemmy.world
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[–] 5 points 1 year ago* (5 children)

aspartame consumed within recommended levels does not cause cancer. the recommended limit is 40mg per kg of body mass per day. For a very small 45kg human that comes out to 30 cans of coke zero per day.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    For sure, it's "dose dependent". I was just correcting the assumption.

    For a very small 45kg human that comes out to 30 cans of coke zero per day.

    Not to split hairs, but the WHO says that the limit is between 9 to 14 cans for a 150lb person, which is still a lot, but not unreasonably so.

    Considering that some countries have yearly soda consumption over 200L per person, coupled with the fact that someone who might be drinking diet cola, may also be using sugar-free foods (i.e. aspartame containing foods) throughout the day, then it seems possible that some may exceed the limit.

    And that doesn't factor in different metabolic rates, other foods or medications that might enhance the effect, etc.

    Disappointingly, stevia has a much lower "recommended limit", despite being shown to be safe. I wonder if that's because stevia comes from a plant, and not out of a lab, so it's harder to patent and monopolize in the market. 🤔

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Aspartame's patents expired between the late 80's and early 90's. Current limits were set after that and have been reviewed as recently as 2024. I'm going to say that the ability to patent and monopolize aren't really a factor since aspartame hasn't been protected in over 30 years and a search to see who produces it returned an article listing the top 100 manufacturers of aspartame.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    So, what's the deal with the mismatched safety limits between the carcinogen Aspartame and stevia? If not because of money, surely, it's not from a lack of science (evidence).

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

    Did a quick search, in higher doses stevia may cause mutagenic effects and regulatory bodies initially classified it as safe over the objections of some researchers who say it needs more studies on this effect. Stevia also lowers blood pressure and can cause light headedness and fainting in larger doses. The effect on blood pressure is potentially fatal in small children and people with certain health complications.

    In less refined forms stevia also carries a high risk of allergic reactions because it's a form of ragweed but the stuff used as a dietary sweetener is highly refined so that shouldn't effect the recommended limit.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

    Goddamn. 😮

    OK, a quick double-check (all I have time for), suggests these Ill effects come in mega doses (unreasonably high doses, like the equivalent of dozens of pounds of sugar), and/or in rodents.

    At the same time, I see studies claiming that stevia has quite a few health benefits, ranging from preventing tooth decay to reducing tumors.

    And the fermented variety in the OP should be even safer/better.

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