Is it true that aspartame (marketed as NutraSweet and Equal) is linked to some kinds of cancer?
No. A new study of about half a million people confirms its safety. After questions were raised by an animal study, rumors circulated linking this sweetener to brain cancer and lymphoma in humans. In this new study, researchers at the National Cancer Institute followed men and women between the ages of 50 to 71 for 5 years and found no link to either of these cancers or leukemia. Average consumption was equal to just a little more than one can of diet soda daily, but no cancer link was seen in those consuming larger amounts. # # # The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) offers a Nutrition Hotline online at www.aicr.org or via phone 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday, at 1-800-843-8114. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will respond to your email or call, usually within 3 business days. AICR is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on how the risk of cancer is reduced by healthy food and nutritio
