The
common sweetener saccharin is used as a substitute for sugar in many sugar-free
products. And it may now be used in drugs that are used to fight aggressive
cancer. This is done by “it
binds to and deactivates a protein called carbonic anhydrase IX. This protein
is found in some aggressive cancers and plays a role in the proliferation of
these cancers in the brain, breast, kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas” (McIntosh).
Many people believe that
artificial sweeteners are a carcinogenic (cancer Causing). But with this break
through that should change many people’s minds. Knowing that things such as
ingredients in everyday sweeteners that everyone uses can actually help fight
aggressive cancers that kill many people is amazing. Also knowing the fact that
one day I could be the person discovering things like this just gives me the
drive to push through those late nights of studying.
McIntosh, James. "Could
Saccharin Be Used to Treat Aggressive Cancers?" Medical News Today.
MediLexicon International, 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 19 Mar. 2015.
I think it is fascinating that a thing that was thought to cause cancer could actually be used in the treatment of cancer! I wonder why people have originally thought that it could be a cause of cancer, and now it is thought to be the exact opposite. I think we have a kind of misconception that sweeteners such as saccharin are bad for you because they are not natural but I guess this may not be the truth!
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