Saccharin
Review of Safety Issues
- Council on Scientific Affairs
Abstract
This report reviews the experimental and epidemiologic data related to the carcinogenicity of saccharin. The results of animal studies suggest a species and organ effect. In single-generation studies in rats, mice, hamsters, and monkeys, saccharin did not induce cancer in any organ. In two-generation studies involving rats, however, there was evidence that the incidence of bladder tumors was significantly greater in saccharin-treated males of the second generation than in controls; the development of bladder tumors in rats seems to be a species- and organ-specific phenomenon for which there is currently no explanation. In humans, available evidence indicates that the use of artificial sweeteners, including saccharin, is not associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Until there is firm evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans, saccharin should continue to be available as a food additive, and reports of adverse health effects associated with its use should be monitored.
(JAMA 1985;254:2622-2624)
Footnotes
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This report was adopted as amended by the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association at the Annual Meeting, June 1985.
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This report is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of medical care. Standards of medical care are determined on the basis of all the facts and circumstances involved in an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of practice evolve. This report reflects the views of scientific literature as of 1984.
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Reprint requests to Council on Scientific Affairs, Division of Drugs and Technology, American Medical Association, 535 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (John C. Ballin, PhD).
