Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Statement: Aspartame

July 14, 2023

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes scientific research and evidence-based practice form the basis for healthful-eating recommendations and supports an individualized approach to helping people reach their nutrition and physical fitness goals.

The newly released assessments of the health impacts of the non-nutritive sweetener aspartame cite “limited evidence” that the sugar substitute is a cancer-causing agent in humans and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight. Nevertheless, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has now classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

The Academy will continue to support the recommendations of registered dietitian nutritionists, the food and nutrition experts, who accept the use of non-nutritive sweeteners, including aspartame, by their patients and clients within accepted daily limits until further evidence can be generated.

The Academy continues to adhere to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that recommends Americans limit added sugars to less than 10% of their total daily calories. For example, in a 2,000-calorie diet, no more than 200 calories should come from added sugars (about 12 teaspoons). However, the average American’s daily intake of added sugars is 17 teaspoons, most of which comes from sugar-sweetened beverages. Consuming too much sugar regularly can contribute to chronic conditions such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

No one ingredient or food increases cancer risk. It’s the amounts and patterns of food consumed over time, along with other genetic and lifestyle factors, that influences health risk.

RDNs, backed by scientific research, individualize nutrition and physical fitness recommendations based on  preferences, health history and personal goals. Learn more at www.eatright.org. 
###

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.