Since the 1980s, aspartame has become as commonplace has become as commonplace as table sugar or salt. table sugar or salt. And even though health organizations suspect suspect that it is not entirely harmless to health, the question is never quite clear-cut. is never completely clear-cut...

Aspartame: what is the official position?

New assessments of the effects of aspartame effects of aspartame were published on July 14 by several health health organizations.

Namely, the International Agency for Research and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the World Health Organization of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)1.

These two organizations conducted independent but complementary studies. However, after reviewing the available scientific available scientific literature, the conclusions came to a disappointing status quo. disappointing status quo.

Nothing new to declare, so to speak...

IARC still classifies aspartame as potentially carcinogenic to humans carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), while the other expert committee simply reiterates the advice to limit daily consumption to 40 mg per kilogram of kilogram of body weight.

The only relevant comment, in my opinion, comes from from Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO's Nutrition and Food WHO's Department of Nutrition and Food Safety:

" The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major safety is not a major concern at commonly used doses, potential effects have been potential effects have been described and need to be the subject of more and more numerous and in-depth studies. "

So there's still some work to be done before we can give but, unfortunately, it's been a long time since such conclusions were such conclusions...

Is aspartame hiding in food? food ?

Les édulcorants sont des substances qui donnent un goût sucré quand on les mélange à d’autres aliments. Parmi les plus connus se trouvent l’acésulfame potassique, le fructose, le sucralose, les glycosides de stéviol et l'aspartame.

It's true, the advent of these synthetic sugars has made it possible to reduce sugar consumption in some people who are "diabetes, but are they really a better solution? better solution?

Especially since aspartame is now hidden everywhere nowadays. You're probably consuming it yourself without realize it.

Cela va des produits laitiers aux céréales pour le petit-déjeuner, des chewing-gum aux boissons diverses et variées, et même jusqu'aux médicaments que vous devez prendre ! A moins de décortiquer chaque étiquette, difficile d'y couper.

Laspartame: cancer cancer in but not only

Most studies into the potential dangers of aspartame of aspartame have focused on the risk of cancer. cancer.

In fact, this was the focus of the latest the latest assessments in July.

While the question remains unanswered, we shouldn't forget parallel studies, which looked at other undesirable effects of aspartame. other undesirable effects of aspartame.

For example, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal2, clearly states that excessive consumption of sweeteners is associated with an risk of cardiovascular disease.

Thus, according to the results obtained, aspartame in particular, may promote cerebrovascular disease (stroke).

The study report is clear:

"Our results show that these food additives consumed daily by millions of people and present in thousands of foods and and present in thousands of foods and beverages, should not be safe alternative to sugar, in line with the current position of several position of several health agencies.

The authors of another study3 are even more outspoken, claiming that an increase in adiposity-related diseases (fat accumulation under the skin), such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, are largely attributable to over-consumption of sweeteners.

This may be due to a destabilization of the intestinal microbiota, which becomes inflamed when consumed regularly.

What's more, neuro-hormonal control of satiety is also disrupted, leading to more frequent snacking.

Not ideal when you're trying to combat obesity and its complications!

The most important rule is to forget sweeteners and white (ultra-refined) sugar.

Here are some examples of sugars to choose from :

• Le sucre complet présente par exemple l’avantage d’être riche en minéraux. Seul le sucre de canne complet ou intégral (comme le rapadura ou le muscovado que l’on trouve en magasin bio) est à privilégier.