Scientists are calling for an urgent reevaluation of the artificial
sweetener aspartame. The ingredient, commonly found in sugar-free
beverages and candies, has been shown to cause cancer in rats, according
to a
new study in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health
Perspectives. "Our study has shown that aspartame is a multi-potential
carcinogenic compound whose carcinogenic effects are also evident
at a daily dose of 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg),
notably less than the current acceptable daily intake for humans,"
the authors write. /old_articles/foodsafety/aspartame112805.cfm