this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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Mildly Interesting

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This is for strictly mildly interesting material. If it's too interesting, it doesn't belong. If it's not interesting, it doesn't belong.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The WHO is declaring it a possible carcinogen. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/whos-cancer-research-agency-say-aspartame-sweetener-possible-carcinogen-sources-2023-06-29/

Edit: also, telling someone they should feel bad and stupid (along with the other language you used) is a bit rough for a discussion on artificial sweeteners. Especially as OP cited the source, made it clear they had no direct knowledge of the situation, and--it turns out--a major health body has cited potential dangers.

This is a good opportunity for us to be a little more civil.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Have you thought to see what other things are in the same category (IARC 2B) before contributing to the misinformation? It includes such "noxious" things as aloe vera and working as a carpenter or dry cleaner. It's basically meaningless other than "there is a small body of weak evidence suggesting it may have some effect on cancer and we think there should be more research".

also, telling someone they should feel bad and stupid (along with the other language you used) is a bit rough for a discussion on artificial sweeteners

Nope, sorry. If you're a moron contributing to health misinformation you deserve the abuse you get. Too many good people died because of them - I don't even care if you're stupid or malicious anymore, I have no patience for either.

I have particular contempt for OP jUsT aSkInG qUeStIoNs with their "Make of that what you will". It's cowardly, slimy and shameful - if you're going to be an idiot at least have the conviction to stand by it.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I think the WHO has slightly more credibility than any random Lenny user.

And no, your attitude is not called for. There's a legitimate body that had called the safety of aspartame into question. Whether it meets your standards is personal. But it's poor form to attack others for citing credible sources (a chemistry teacher is worth following up on for chem matters, which, in this case--again--led directly to a statement by the WHO).

You have simultaneously said it's both been studied excessively and acknowledged the WHO has said it needs more study.

Rando vs WHO. WHO wins. Aspartame may be dangerous. And, incidentally, so may working as a dry cleaner. Which seems like a good warning to put out there. Thank you angry, rude person trolling this thread.

Edit: just googled "cancer rates among dry cleaners" and wow... it seems a number of studies have demonstrated elevated cancer rates among dry cleaners. Here are a couple:

Sweden study

St Louis study

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

How would anyone die of avoiding aspartame? Perhaps you might consider the possibility that you may be overreacting.