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| Is aspartame going to do us all in? |
| The World Health Organization (WHO) recently rocked the world by classifying aspartame — a common artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar — as a possible carcinogen. But a closer look at the research has us taking this latest food scare with a pinch of salt. |
| "Right now it seems like everyone who didn't like artificial sweeteners is saying, 'See? Told you so!'" says registered dietitian Lisa Valente. "But the science doesn't totally support that." |
| At the root of this is a recent large French study that found correlations between higher aspartame intake and increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and obesity-related cancers. However, the evidence overall remains limited and inconsistent. |
| The researchers didn't set out to find out whether aspartame causes cancer — only to detect a link between aspartame and cancer. |
| The WHO itself says there is only limited evidence from human and animal research for a potential cancer risk at regular consumption levels. So, how much aspartame is safe to consume? |
| According to the recently updated recommendation, a 154-pound adult would need to drink 14 cans of soda with aspartame per day to reach unsafe territory. |
| "Probably not great to guzzle diet soda all day, but some is fine and not something to stress about," says Valente. "We also can't ignore that guzzling regular soda all day isn't great for you because of the added sugar." |
| Bottom line: It's understandable for consumers to feel confused by conflicting reports on ingredients like aspartame. But the WHO's labeling of aspartame as a possible carcinogen seems to be more of a precautionary warning than a definitive health concern. |
| As with any food additive, moderation is key. But there's no need to panic or completely avoid products containing small amounts of aspartame based on limited evidence. |
| Tell us: Will you consume less aspartame in light of the recent news? Perhaps you have a favorite sweetener and avoid the others? Message us at nutritionedition@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!) |
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| What we're using |
| Given the news about aspartame, you may have dialed down your diet cola intake lately. And did you know the effects of caffeine are boosted by a compound found in tea? Our reviewers picked VALI's as the best caffeine supplement for improving concentration because there's evidence that combining the stimulant with L-theanine enhances focus more than caffeine alone. |
| Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. |
 | | | VALI Caffeine 50mg & L-Theanine 100mg |  | | 4.3 | 1,300+ ratings | | | Details: Made in the USA under the latest CGMP guidelines. | | | | |
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| We focus on a different nutrient each week — some well known, others more unusual. This week's calming compound in your cup of tea is… |
| ☕️ L-theanine |
| That warm, relaxed feeling you get after sipping a hot cup of green or black tea is not just in your head. The tea leaves contain a unique amino acid called L-theanine that has been shown to ease anxiety, stress, and tension and promote sleep — all without making you drowsy. |
| While green and black tea contain the most L-theanine, this "calm chemical" can also be found in some mushroom species 🍄. And you can take it as a supplement. |
| 🔬 The science behind the serenity |
| Research shows that this abundant amino acid influences brain waves and alters levels of neurotransmitters, helping promote alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but awake, focused state. |
| ✅ More than just mellow: the wide-ranging benefits |
| While L-theanine is best known for inducing tranquility, studies suggest that L-theanine supplementation may also support: |
| | 🤧 | Immunity: It's linked to a decrease in cold and flu symptoms. | |
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| | 💊 | Cancer treatment: It has been shown to amplify the antitumor effects of some chemo drugs. | |
| There's also some evidence that L-theanine can complement treatment for ADHD. |
| The bottom line on safety 👍 |
| While more research is needed, particularly on long-term safety, most experts agree it is safe for adults and children to consume moderate amounts of green tea containing L-theanine. |
| Those taking chemotherapy medications should consult their doctor before drinking green tea. |
| As with any supplement, it's best to discuss L-theanine pills or powders with a healthcare professional to determine a safe personal dosage. |
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| What we're digesting |
| 🍩 Scientists create a 'healthy' diet with ultra-processed foods. The experimental 7-day meal plan consists almost entirely of highly processed foods and lacks some vitamins. |
| ⚖️ Most people stop using Ozempic and Wegovy after 1 year. Does it come down to cost or diminishing returns? |
| ✨ Should you add magnesium glycinate to your supplement regimen? Benefits include relief from anxiety and regulation of heart rhythms — and it may help you sleep too. |
| 💮 Could dahlias be the next weapon against diabetes? Their colorful petals contain molecules that may help regulate blood sugar levels, according to new research. |
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| Thank you for reading. I hope we've put your mind at rest a little regarding the aspartame scare. Next time: all the deets on beets. |
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| Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | the shade of a tree. | | |
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