According to the British Daily Mail 65438+February 15, in the early 20th century, people could find this controversial sweetener in many popular foods (such as cola, cereal and chocolate). In July 2006, a study published by Italian scientists said that animal experiments proved that aspartame could cause cancer in mice. However, some people think that there is no scientific basis for the statement that it can make people suffer from cancer.
The use of aspartame caused widespread controversy in early society. Studies have found that aspartame cannot rule out the possibility of serious consequences such as brain tumor and brain injury. Therefore, at that time, the US Food and Drug Administration did not approve the addition of aspartame to food. It was not until 1983 that the US Food and Drug Administration gradually relaxed the restrictions on the use of aspartame after referring to more experimental results, and finally lifted all restrictions until 1996. However, aspartame has been used as a food additive since 1983 in Japan. Because the amino acid in the chemical structure contains phenylalanine, patients with phenylketonuria cannot metabolize this amino acid, so patients with this disease must avoid contact with aspartame.
A few days ago, roger williams, a member of the British Parliament's Select Committee on Food and Environment and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party's House of Commons, called for all foods and drinks containing aspartame to be removed from the shelves. He said: "There is enough scientific evidence to prove that the components and metabolites of aspartame will have a very serious toxic effect on the human body." On the evening of June 5438+February 65438+April 2006, some scientists in related fields also expressed their support for Williams' proposal that products containing aspartame should be removed from the shelves. In 2008, it was widely rumored on the Internet that aspartame contained in Coca-Cola Zero was harmful to health and might even cause cancer. In this regard, Netease Finance connected Professor Luo Yunbo, Dean of College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering of China Agricultural University for the first time. Professor Luo Yunbo said that aspartame is a regular food additive approved by the China government, and there will be no serious safety problems. As of 2008, there were no cases of injury or cancer caused by aspartame in China.
In March, 2008, Coca-Cola announced the launch of a brand-new sugar-free carbonated beverage-"Zero Coca-Cola" in China market to expand its share of carbonated beverages in China market. Subsequently, the statement that aspartame contained in Coca-Cola Zero may cause migraine and even cancer spread on major websites and forums.
"Aspartame is a sugar substitute approved by many countries, including the United States. It was approved for use in food in China on 1986. It is a formal food additive. " Professor Luo Yunbo said that aspartame is widely used in dairy products, candy, chocolate, chewing gum and other products.
Regarding the hot topic that aspartame can excessively stimulate nerves and cause migraine, Professor Luo Yunbo said that aspartame can't be said to be harmful, but it can't be said to be completely harmless. The side effects of aspartame have been controversial in academic circles, and experimental research is still under way in 2008. From the academic research, no cases of injury or cancer caused by aspartame have been found.
Professor Luo Yunbo said that it is good for everyone to pay attention to food safety, but there is no need to be nervous and suspicious.