Artificial sweeteners are substances used to sweeten food and beverages with little to no calorie content. They are used as a sugar alternative for people who are trying to manage their weight or blood sugar level.

However, the use of artificial sweeteners has been a topic of concern for many years. Still, one of the most debated topics about artificial sweeteners is whether there is a link between their consumption and cancer risk. So, is there a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer risk?.

Understanding artificial sweeteners

Firstly, it is important to know the different types of artificial sweeteners available. They include:.

Aspartame

Aspartame, sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is an artificial sweetener commonly used in low-calorie beverages, chewing gum, and candies.

Saccharin

Saccharin, sold as Sweet ‘N Low, is an artificial sweetener used in diet drinks, table sweeteners, and other products.

Sucralose

Sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, is a non-caloric sweetener used in beverages, desserts, and other products.

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)

Acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in low-calorie drinks, frozen desserts, and other products.

Stevia

Stevia is an herbal sweetener used as a natural sugar substitute that is available in both powdered and liquid form.

Research studies on the link between artificial sweeteners and cancer risk

The link between artificial sweeteners and cancer dates back to the 1970s when a study revealed that saccharin causes bladder cancer in rats.

However, further research suggested that the type of cancer noted in rats might be unique to rodents and has no direct correlation to humans. Since then, several research studies have been conducted to determine whether the consumption of artificial sweeteners can increase cancer risk in humans.

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization, evaluated the carcinogenicity of various substances that humans are exposed to.

The organization concluded that there is possible evidence linking the consumption of aspartame to cancer in humans. But the conclusion was based on existing animal studies, not human studies. The evidence was found to be too inconsistent and unreliable to make any viable judgments about the cancer risk of consuming aspartame.

In addition, studies such as the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study conducted by Harvard University did not find any significant association between artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk, although the studies were not free from limitations. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer found no evidence linking aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose to cancer in humans or animals.

Related Article Artificial sweeteners: a cancer risk?

In the study, researchers observed no significant differences in the incidence of cancer in animals that consumed high doses of artificial sweeteners as compared to those that didn’t.

All in all, the evidence linking artificial sweeteners to increased cancer risk remains inconclusive. However, experts in the field are in agreement that more research is needed to understand the effects of artificial sweeteners on the human body.

The potential health risks of consuming artificial sweeteners

The potential health risks of consuming artificial sweeteners extend beyond the concern for increased cancer risk. Some of them include:.

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame have been linked to increased risk for type 2 diabetes in some studies.

Affects metabolism

Artificial sweeteners can affect the body’s metabolism, leading to changes in glucose production and insulin sensitivity.

Weight gain

Surprisingly, artificial sweeteners have been linked to weight gain instead of weight loss.

This is partly because many people tend to eat more when they switch to low-calorie or sugar-free products, thinking that they are consuming fewer calories and can, therefore, afford to eat more.

Increased risk of heart disease

While the potential link between artificial sweeteners and heart disease is not clear-cut, some studies suggest that consuming artificially sweetened beverages may increase the risk of heart disease.

However, additional studies are needed to confirm this link.

The bottom line

There is currently no sufficient evidence to support a direct link between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and increased cancer risk in humans.

However, more research is needed to determine the potential long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners on the human body. In the meantime, people who choose to use artificial sweeteners should do so in moderation and should not depend on them as their sole source to manage weight or blood sugar levels.

It is important to maintain a balanced diet, consume foods in moderation, and talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns or questions they may have.