Overview
- Dr. Mehmet Oz told Donald Trump Jr. on his podcast that the president argues diet soda kills grass and therefore must kill cancer cells, and he recalled Trump saying the same on Air Force One.
- Oncologists and pharmacists say there is no evidence any soft drink kills cancer cells, noting the body tightly controls acidity and that such drinks would harm healthy cells rather than target tumors.
- The White House later called the remark a joke, according to one report, after the comments drew wide attention and concern from health experts.
- IARC labeled the sweetener aspartame a possible carcinogen in 2023, while regulators including the FDA and a WHO panel say typical intake is safe, with estimates suggesting 8 to 12 cans a day would exceed advised limits.
- The episode is drawing scrutiny of official health messaging because Oz now runs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and doctors warn such claims can mislead patients away from proven cancer care.