• Question: Does coca cola contain a form of cancer?

    Asked by whvicandanna to Anil, Blanka, Cees, Emma, Mike on 2 Jul 2012.
    • Photo: Michael Cook

      Michael Cook answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      I imagine Blanka has the best answer to this, but I think you’re talking about carcinogens. Cancer is something that has to grow inside of you, but carcinogens are chemicals that cause cancer.

      Coca Cola contains aspartame I think, which is an artifical sweetener (I’m using something similar in my coffee right now!) In the past there have been newspaper reports saying it is linked to cancer, but I’m not sure if we know that as a fact. Maybe one of the other scientists knows more.

    • Photo: Blanka Sengerova

      Blanka Sengerova answered on 2 Jul 2012:

      I think Mike’s got it pretty much covered, carcinogens are what causes cancer. There may be some in Coca Cola, but I expect if there were there would be strict limits on them.

      Coca Cola does contain caffeine (what makes you really awake) and there have in the past been reports that this may be linked to lowering of risk of some cancers but increased risks of other cancers. But more research is probably needed for conclusive answers.

    • Photo: Emma Trantham

      Emma Trantham answered on 5 Jul 2012:

      I think Mike and Blanka have pretty much covered this one

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