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Introduction
A study published in March 2022 suggested that consumption of artificial (non-nutritive) sweeteners is associated with a 13% increase in risk of cancer. This study was widely reported in the media and made for some concerning reading for health-concious people.
One of our Sigma Nutrition Premium subscribers, Zachary, asked for our thoughts on the study and whether this is really cause for concern and whether artificial sweeteners should be avoided for health reasons.
And so in this episode, Dr. Alan Flanagan, Dr. Niamh Aspell, and Danny Lennon discuss this specific study and give their thoughts on what are fair conclusions to come to.
Related resources
- Join the Sigma newsletter for free
- Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
- Become a member of Alan Flanagan’s Alinea Nutrition Education Hub
- The study: Debras et al., 2022 – Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
- Episode 431: Artificial Sweeteners – Health Impacts and ‘Safe’ Levels
- Background Research To This Point
- Study Design
- Dietary Assessment
- Quantifying AS Intakes
- Determination of Cancer Cases
- Results
- Statistical Analysis
- Adjustments
- Our Conclusions
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
In March 2022, a study was published in PLOS Medicine titled “Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study”. This study, from Charlotte Debras and colleagues, suggested higher consumers of artificial sweeteners had a 13% increased risk of cancer compared to those who were non-consumers.
And the study picked up quite a lot of news coverage, and within health circles it was noted as being a source of evidence (in humans) that sweetener use could pose a health risk.
One of our Premium subscribers asked for our thoughts on this study and whether it really does confirm a connection that has long been claimed, but usually on the basis of mechanisms or animal studies. And so in this episode Alan Flanagan, Niamh Aspell and Danny Lennon discuss this study.
Connection to Previous Episodes
In episode 431 of the podcast we discussed the general topic of artificial sweeteners and human health. This episode gives a really good grounding in how acceptable/safe intakes are determined by food safety authorities, how they compare with evidence showing harm, and what the overall evidence base says about sweeteners and health outcomes.
If you havenʼt had a chance to listen to that episode yet, then it will prove to be really useful adjunct material to this current episode. There are also show notes available for that episode which you can read through to further understand some of these details.
Overview
Our Premium subscriber Zachary Wenger asks:
“What are your thoughts on this recent publication? Adjustment model, follow-up time, contrast in exposure, etc, all appeared sufficient.”
This study was published in PLOS Medicine titled “Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study”.
Charlotte Debras and colleagues published the study – Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team, University of Paris
This study suggested higher consumers of artificial sweeteners had a 13% increased risk of cancer compared to those who were non-consumers.
And the study picked up quite a lot of news coverage, and within health circles it was noted as being a source of evidence (in humans) that sweetener use could pose a health risk.