Acesulfame K is a non-nutritive sweetener, a synthetic or natural sweetener that is sweeter than sucrose but with no or very few calories, which is why it is classified as non-nutritive. This is because the human body cannot metabolize it, meaning it passes through the digestive system without being broken down for use as energy or nutrients.
Currently, several artificial sweeteners are used as food additives. Aspartame, ACE K, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, and advantame are used worldwide as artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol belong to another group of sugar alcohols, or plant-derived sweeteners.
Acesulfame potassium, also known as E-950 in the European Union, is a white, crystalline substance. Its chemical composition is represented by the formula C4H4KNO4S. The recommended daily intake, or ADI, is 15 mg per kilogram of body weight.
In which foods is Acesulfame K found?
Acesulfame K (ACE K) is present in tabletop sweeteners, carbonated beverages, frozen desserts, candy, chewing gum, dairy products, syrups and sauces. ACE K is the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide. It is a heat-stable sweetener and is 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It has a bitter aftertaste at high concentrations and mixes with sucralose or aspartame. In fact, its combination with other sweeteners has shown synergistic effects on sweetness. It is not metabolized in vivo and is excreted through the kidney.
7 Food Brands that Contain E-950
- Coca Cola light
- Coca Cola Zero
- Pepsi Max
- Fanta Zero
- Mountain Dew sin azúcar
- Red Bull sugarfree
- Nestea sin azúcar
What are the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on the intestinal microbiota?
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are synthetic or natural sweeteners that are several hundred or thousand times sweeter than sucrose, but with no or very few calories. Each NNS has specific metabolic characteristics, including a peculiar sweetness intensity and sweet taste persistence.
The inclusion of NNS as food additives and sweeteners is a recent addition to the human diet. Overall consumption of NNS has increased significantly since saccharin was authorized as the first NNS in 1970, and to date, the use of NNS has prevailed. This is because it provides a useful strategy to reduce calorie consumption and sugar levels. There are variations between countries regarding the types of NNS that are considered safe for human consumption, provided the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is respected and there is no connection with health problems.
NNS are widely used due to their low caloric content and their ability to not affect appetite and energy responses after meals. This is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients and overweight/obese individuals seeking sugar substitutes. The digestive system plays a crucial role in breaking down dietary components and facilitating nutrient absorption to meet the body’s nutritional requirements.
Acesulfame-K is almost completely absorbed in the small intestine as an intact molecule and distributed via the blood to different tissues. Without undergoing any metabolism, more than 99% of ingested acesulfame-K is excreted in the urinary tract within the first 24 h, with less than 1% eliminated in feces in both animals and humans. It is unlikely that this NNS can directly affect the colonic microbiota.
Is acesulfame K safe?
Acesulfame K is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative sweetener. More than 90 studies have been conducted showing that it is safe to use.
You may see it listed on ingredient labels as Acesulfame K, Acesulfame Potassium, as-k.
Artificial sweeteners like acesulfame K are popular because they are often much sweeter than natural sugar, which means you can use less of it in a recipe. They also offer some health benefits, including:
- Weight management: One teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories. As a sugar substitute, acesulfame potassium has 0 calories, allowing you to cut many of those extra calories from your diet. Fewer calories makes it easier to drop extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight.
- Diabetes: Artificial sweeteners do not raise blood sugar levels like sugar does. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about using artificial sweeteners before using them.
- Dental health: Sugar can contribute to tooth decay, but sugar substitutes like acesulfame potassium do not.
All types of foods and beverages, including those made with acesulfame potassium, can have a place in a variety of healthy eating patterns. Choosing foods and beverages sweetened with low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium, is one way to reduce added sugars and control calories—both important components of maintaining good health.
4 Brands of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
- Sunett
- Sweet One
- Candere
- Equa
Acesulfame potassium, also known as E-950 in the European Union, is a white, crystalline substance. Its chemical composition is represented by the formula C4H4KNO4S. Despite its sweetness, it does not provide any calories and its glycemic index is zero. The recommended daily intake, or ADI, is 15 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Does Acesulfame K have any effect on the shelf life of food products?
Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener that is remarkably stable, both in storage and during food processing.
In terms of shelf life, Acesulfame K does not degrade over time, meaning it does not negatively impact the shelf life of food products. In fact, its stability can contribute to maintaining the sweet taste of foods and beverages throughout their entire shelf life.
Additionally, Acesulfame K is heat-resistant and stable over a wide pH range, making it suitable for use in products that require processing at high temperatures or in acidic or alkaline conditions.
Therefore, Acesulfame K can be an excellent choice for food formulators looking to maintain the sweetness of their products throughout their shelf life without adding calories. However, as with any ingredient, it is important to use it responsibly and in appropriate amounts.What is the stability of Acesulfame K under different pH conditions?
Acesulfame K is a very stable artificial sweetener under different pH conditions. This means that it can maintain its sweetness and does not degrade, whether in acidic or alkaline conditions. In addition, its thermal stability allows it to be used in cooking and baking processes without losing its sweetening power.
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