Aspartame Consumption and Cancer Risk: A Systematic  Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol

Mohammad Sadegh Jafari; Mohammad Hasanzadeh; Saman Rahimi Tanyani; Aria Mahdavi; Aram Halimi; Yaser Soleimani; Mehran Rostami; Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi

doi:10.31557/apjec.2024.7.1.129-132

Authors

Mohammad Sadegh Jafari Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Hasanzadeh Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saman Rahimi Tanyani Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Aria Mahdavi Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Aram Halimi Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Yaser Soleimani Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mehran Rostami Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjec.2024.7.1.129-132

Keywords:

Cancer, Aspartame, Protocol.

Abstract

Background: Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, has been under scrutiny for its potential carcinogenic effects. Although early studies raised concerns about its link to cancer, particularly in animal models, more recent human studies have produced mixed results. This protocol aims to systematically review the association between aspartame consumption and cancer risk.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted by searching databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies will involve human participants exposed to aspartame and assess cancer incidence as the primary outcome. Data extraction will include study characteristics, exposure levels, and cancer outcomes. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and data will be synthesized through qualitative and quantitative methods, including meta-analysis where applicable.

Results: This review will present pooled risk estimates for cancer associated with aspartame consumption and explore variations by cancer type, dose, and duration of exposure.

Conclusion: This study will provide an updated synthesis of evidence regarding aspartame consumption and its potential role in cancer development, informing future public health guidelines.