Its use is controversial, as some animal studies suggest that high doses can cause cancer. However, the results are mixed, and other studies haven’t found this effect ( 1, 2). According to the FDA, consuming amounts of aspartame that are within the daily intake recommendations isn’t thought to be harmful ( 15). Animal studies have suggested that aspartame is a chemical carcinogen in rodents and that prenatal exposure to aspartame increases cancer risk in rodent offspring ( 12). Studies have found that chewing gums sweetened with the sugar alcohol xylitol are more effective than other sugar-free gums at preventing tooth decay ( 43).

This is because sugar is digested by the bad bacteria in your mouth, causing an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth and tooth decay over time ( 49). Both the FDA and the EFSA have deemed BHT generally safe in low doses of around 0.11 mg per pound of body weight (0.25 mg per kg) ( 4). However, people who have a rare hereditary condition known as phenylketonuria should limit their consumption of phenylalanine, which is a component of aspartame ( 15). Color additivesEven in these cases, the amounts are generally much lower than the amounts considered to cause harm. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) This is because it’s both sweet and low in calories, giving you a sweet taste without negatively affecting your diet. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer have also been observed in studies that have treated rats with titanium dioxide ( 8).

In a small 2012 study in university students, chewing gum for 2 weeks decreased participants’ feelings of stress, particularly in relation to academic workload ( 31). This could be due to the act of chewing, which has been linked to reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol ( 32, 33). However, the possible connection between aspartame and obesity needs to be further studied ( 13, 14). Preservatives. These are added to extend shelf life. The most popular choice is an organic compound called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Titanium dioxide, Red 3 and Green 3 are banned in the European Union, but not in the US. Red 40 Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 must contain a warning in the EU stating that they may have adverse effects on activity and attention in children ( 18, 19).It appears that most people consume far less than this recommended level. One study that analyzed urine samples from multiple countries estimated that the average daily intake of BHT in adults was only 0.21–31.3 micrograms per kg of body weight ( 5). Titanium dioxide However, more research is needed to determine whether chewing gum leads to a difference in weight over the long term. Summary One research review suggests that regularly chewing gum may trigger headaches in people prone to migraine episodes and tension-type headaches ( 53). It’s highly controversial and has been claimed to cause a range of conditions, from headaches to obesity to cancer.

One randomized controlled trial found that students who chewed gum over a period of 7 or 19 days had reduced scores for depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who did not. Those who chewed gum also achieved greater academic success ( 26). This is because xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath ( 44, 45).All ingredients used in the processing of chewing gum have to be “food grade” and classified as fit for human consumption. Summary Softeners. These are used to retain moisture and prevent the gum from hardening. They can include waxes like paraffin or vegetable oils.

BHT is an antioxidant that’s added to many processed foods as a preservative. It stops food from going bad by preventing fats from becoming rancid. Furthermore, chewing gum after a meal increases saliva flow. This helps wash away harmful sugars and food debris, both of which feed bacteria in your mouth ( 47). Summary Studies have also found that chewing gum may reduce stress and increase feelings of alertness ( 22, 29, 30).It’s better for your teeth than regular, sugar-sweetened gum. This is because sugar feeds the “bad” bacteria in your mouth, which can damage your teeth. However, the overall results are mixed. Some studies have reported that chewing gum does not affect appetite or energy intake over the course of a day ( 39, 40). Although this condition is rare, some studies have found a link between excessive chewing and TMD ( 51, 52). Chewing gum has been linked to headaches Chewing gum often contains titanium dioxide, which adds a shiny finish to added colors, which may include the above-mentioned synthetic colors and more ( 17).