"Most people are familiar with the phrase "the dose makes the poison," a basic tenant of toxicology, which is the study of how chemicals, drugs, and other substances effect living systems (beyond just humans and animals). A proper recommended dose of Tylenol is generally harmless, but 50,000 milligrams of acetaminophen will likely do a lot of damage to your liver."
"In 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization's JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) released a statement saying that "the evidence of an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans is not convincing," citing the need for better studies. The JECFA has evaluated aspartame in 1981, 2016, and, most recently, 2023, in which they have consistently stated that the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame is between 0 and 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for adults."
"A 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains less than 200 milligrams of aspartame. By World Health Organization standards, a 150-pound person would need to drink about 14 cans a day to hit the 40 milligram per kilogram of body weight threshold. So with aspartame, the dose does indeed make the poison, and having a can of Diet Coke occasionally shouldn't worry you. As with many things in life, moderation is key."
Aspartame safety depends on dose, consistent with toxicology's principle that the dose makes the poison. Global evaluations by JECFA and WHO have found the evidence linking aspartame to cancer in humans unconvincing and have called for better studies. JECFA has set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame at 0–40 mg per kilogram of body weight for adults, while the FDA allows up to 50 mg/kg/day. A 12-ounce Diet Coke contains under 200 mg of aspartame, so a 150‑pound person would need roughly 14 cans daily to reach the 40 mg/kg threshold. Occasional consumption within ADI limits poses minimal risk; moderation remains recommended.
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