Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Greg and Lyndsey dive into the history, conspiracies, science, and media coverage of aspartame to present a thorough overview of the recent WHO reports linking aspartame and cancer risk.
Is this one of the longest "podcast episodes" ever? Probably. But it's packed with fascinating history, relevant research breakdowns and media criticism, and takeaways for interpreting and navigating our society's abundance of health warnings.
*TIME STAMPS*
9:43 History of artificial sweeteners preceding aspartame
1:02:35 The very sketchy approval process for aspartame and subsequent media coverage
3:17:50 Breaking down the World Health Organization's decision to classify aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic"
4:24:27 The fallout from the WHO's classification
5:22:04 Closing thoughts
*MORE FROM THE SBS TEAM*
Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Get a two-minute breakdown of one recent study every Wednesday. Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science. strongerbyscience.com/newsletter
Join the SBS Facebook group and Subreddit.
facebook.com/groups/StrongerByScienceCommunity
reddit.com/r/macrofactor
Try MacroFactor for free: Use code SBS to get a 14-day free trial of our nutrition app MacroFactor. MacroFactor has the fastest food logger on the market and its smart nutrition coach adapts to your metabolism to keep you on track with your goals. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play. macrofactorapp.com
Work with a Stronger By Science coach: Get personalized training and nutrition plans and ongoing support from one of our expert coaches. strongerbyscience.com/coaching
*RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS*
MASS Research Review: Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly. massresearchreview.com
BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order. bulksupplements.com
*SOURCES AND LINKS*
*Intro*
Greg's recommendation: Factor meals (factor75.com/)
Lyndsey's recommendations: Sturdy Girl Club stand-up series (bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001kh5r) and Casey Johnston’s newsletter “She’s a Beast” (shesabeast.co/)
*WHO Reports*
WHO: Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released)
The Lancet summary: Carcinogenicity of aspartame, methyleugenol, and isoeugenol (thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(23)00341-8/fulltext)
*Full source list*
We had too many links to include here (lol), so please go to the page on Stronger By Science for a fully guided tour of our derangement: strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-116
Greg and Lyndsey dive into the history, conspiracies, science, and media coverage of aspartame to present a thorough overview of the recent WHO reports linking aspartame and cancer risk.
Is this one of the longest "podcast episodes" ever? Probably. But it's packed with fascinating history, relevant research breakdowns and media criticism, and takeaways for interpreting and navigating our society's abundance of health warnings.
*TIME STAMPS*
9:43 History of artificial sweeteners preceding aspartame
1:02:35 The very sketchy approval process for aspartame and subsequent media coverage
3:17:50 Breaking down the World Health Organization's decision to classify aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic"
4:24:27 The fallout from the WHO's classification
5:22:04 Closing thoughts
*MORE FROM THE SBS TEAM*
Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Get a two-minute breakdown of one recent study every Wednesday. Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science. strongerbyscience.com/newsletter
Join the SBS Facebook group and Subreddit.
facebook.com/groups/StrongerByScienceCommunity
reddit.com/r/macrofactor
Try MacroFactor for free: Use code SBS to get a 14-day free trial of our nutrition app MacroFactor. MacroFactor has the fastest food logger on the market and its smart nutrition coach adapts to your metabolism to keep you on track with your goals. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play. macrofactorapp.com
Work with a Stronger By Science coach: Get personalized training and nutrition plans and ongoing support from one of our expert coaches. strongerbyscience.com/coaching
*RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS*
MASS Research Review: Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly. massresearchreview.com
BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order. bulksupplements.com
*SOURCES AND LINKS*
*Intro*
Greg's recommendation: Factor meals (factor75.com/)
Lyndsey's recommendations: Sturdy Girl Club stand-up series (bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001kh5r) and Casey Johnston’s newsletter “She’s a Beast” (shesabeast.co/)
*WHO Reports*
WHO: Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released)
The Lancet summary: Carcinogenicity of aspartame, methyleugenol, and isoeugenol (thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(23)00341-8/fulltext)
*Full source list*
We had too many links to include here (lol), so please go to the page on Stronger By Science for a fully guided tour of our derangement: strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-116
