Isn’t aspartame known to cause brain tumors?
Or, at least that was the buzz several years ago.
That's a good question Jane.
Aspartame Brain Tumors
The question of whether aspartame causes brain tumors has been the subject of extensive research and debate. Some studies have suggested a potential link, while others have found no significant association. Here is a summary of the key findings:
A 1997 case-control study found no significant association between aspartame consumption and childhood brain tumor risk.
A 2006 study of 285,079 men and 188,905 women in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study found no increased risk of hematopoietic cancers or gliomas (malignant brain cancer) associated with aspartame consumption.
Some animal studies have shown an increased incidence of brain tumors in aspartame-fed rats, but these findings have been inconsistent and have not been replicated in human studies.
A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen, but noted that the evidence was limited and that intake guidelines remain unchanged.
Overall, the majority of studies have not found a consistent link between aspartame consumption and brain tumor risk. However, the debate continues, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with aspartame.