Acesulfame-K (E950) – Sweetener Overview
Acesulfame-K (E950) is a calorie-free artificial sweetener used in foods and beverages. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is considered safe for people with diabetes.
Things worth knowing about "Acesulfame-K"
Acesulfame-K (E950) is a calorie-free artificial sweetener used in foods and beverages. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is considered safe for people with diabetes.
What is Acesulfame-K?
Acesulfame-K (also known as acesulfame potassium or E950) is a synthetic, calorie-free sweetener that has been widely used in the food industry since the 1980s. It is approximately 180 to 200 times sweeter than ordinary table sugar (sucrose) and is not metabolized by the body, meaning it is excreted unchanged and provides no energy.
Uses and Occurrence
Acesulfame-K is often used in combination with other sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose, as this combination produces a rounder, more sugar-like taste. Typical products containing acesulfame-K include:
- Sugar-free and low-calorie soft drinks
- Diet and light food products
- Chewing gums and candies
- Baked goods and desserts
- Oral care products (e.g., toothpaste)
- Medications and dietary supplements (as a flavoring agent)
Chemical Properties
Acesulfame-K belongs to the group of oxathiazinone dioxide compounds. It is thermostable, meaning it remains stable when heated, making it well-suited for baking and cooking. Unlike aspartame, it does not contain a phenylalanine component and is therefore suitable for people with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Safety and Approval
Acesulfame-K is approved worldwide by numerous food safety authorities, including:
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by the EFSA is 9 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Under normal dietary conditions, this value is generally not exceeded. Numerous studies have found no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or other serious health risks.
Acesulfame-K and Diabetes
Since acesulfame-K has no effect on blood glucose levels and provides no calories, it is frequently recommended as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes mellitus. While it theoretically stimulates certain sweet taste receptors, no clinically relevant insulin response has been demonstrated at typical consumption levels.
Areas Under Discussion
Some more recent studies have discussed potential effects of sweeteners, including acesulfame-K, on the gut microbiome. However, the current evidence base is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Regulatory bodies such as the EFSA and WHO continue to classify acesulfame-K as safe.
Labeling
In the European Union, acesulfame-K must be declared on the ingredient list of food products either as acesulfame-K, acesulfame potassium, or by its E-number E950.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2017.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Evaluation of certain food additives. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 952, 2009.
- Magnuson, B. A. et al.: Biological fate of low-calorie sweeteners. Nutrition Reviews, 2016.
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Related search terms: Acesulfame-K-en