A study conducted on the French population has shown that a higher intake of artificial sweeteners ups the risk of developing cancer by 13%. The study that was published in Plos Medicine included 1,02,865 subjects aimed at the risk of using aspartame and acesulfame potassium across the globe. Doctors in Bengaluru state that there is a need to re-evaluate the use of food additives by global health authorities. 

The study showed that compared to non-consumers, high consumers of artificial sweeteners had a higher risk of developing cancer and the ratio visualized was 1:13.  Artificial sweeteners were consumed by 37% of the subjects, mostly women, youngsters, smokers, or highly educated groups.

Dr. US Vishal Rao, dean, and director, of HCG cancer care, highlighted the lack of clinical studies correlating artificial sweeteners with the risk of cancer. Dr. Subrata Das, senior consultant, Sakra World Hospital said that certain biochemical amino acids and proteins can increase cancer risk. Dr. Das added that there is a myth that sugar-free beverages with artificial sugars have lower calories. However, Dr. C Ramachandra, director of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology stated that it is a predictive study and needs further evidence to confirm the hypothesis.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/artificial-sweetener-intake-ups-cancer-risk-study/90874440 )