Book Description

Abstract: A special National Research Council (NRC) committee report concludes that the weight of experimental and epidemiological evidence does not indicate that cyclamate is a carcinogen. Animal studies suggest, however, that cyclamate has a cancer-promoting, co-carcinogenic activity, and human epidemiological studies indicate that the use of cyclamate-saccharin mixtures may slightly enhance bladder cancer risk. The report summarizes the detailed findings, overall conclusions, and specific recommendations of the NRC committee, based on an expert evaluation of the relevant scientific literature. Following a review of the historical development of the use of artificial sweeteners in the US, the report addresses: the chemicophysical properties and metabolism of cyclamate and its major metabolite, cyclohexylamine; the collection and evaluation of short-term tests (e.g.: bacteria, Drosophila, dominant eethal test, cell transformation); animal bioassay carcinogenesis studies; and epidemiological studies. The report recommends that: epidemiological monotoring be continued in countries using cyclamate; further animal carcinogenesis bioassay testing on cyclamate be omitted, but that the 1-2 rodent studies that suggested a promotional or co-carcinogenic effect for cyclamate be repeated; mammalian cell DNA damage and give mutation tests and more definitive cytogenetic studies should be carried out; and that further metabolic studies on cyclamate should not be carried out, since existing data do not indicate the human in formation of potentially hazardous cyclamate metabolites.