The study evaluated over 500 thousand participants between the ages of 50 and 69 over a five-year period. The researchers found no evidence of an increased risk of leukemias, lymphomas and brain tumors among those who used aspartame.
Aspartame, found in thousands of products such as sodas, chewing gum, dairy foods, and medicines, came on the market about 25 years ago. Popular brands include NutraSweet and Equal. Since its release, doubts about the ingredient’s safety have been stirred by animal studies linking the sweetener to different forms of cancer.
However, these findings have not been replicated in human investigations; a 2005 Review of Lymphatic and Hematopoietic Cancer Incidence Trends & Consumption of Aspartame concluded that there is no correlation with consumption of aspartame and cancer.
Furthermore, prior to aspartame’s approval, four long-term carcinogenicity studies found no relationship between aspartame and any form of cancer. The studies were submitted to numerous regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, which conducted exhaustive reviews of the data.
“Despite allegations by critics, this new NCI study, in conjunction with a multitude of other scientific studies, clearly demonstrates that aspartame is not a carcinogen and can be a beneficial and safe tool in helping people reduce calories and control their weight. On the other hand, obesity has been shown to be directly related to certain types of cancer,” said Lyn Nabors, president of the Calorie Control Council.
Another artificial sweetener, Splenda, has also received criticism recently. A US consumer advocacy group, Citizens for Health, has made claims that the product causes stomach pains and should be pulled by the FDA.