Artificial Sweeteners (cont.)
Acesulfame K: What is the positive side?
Acesulfame K has been an approved sweetener since 1988, and yet most people
are not even aware that this is a nonnutritive sweetener being used in their
food and beverages. It is listed in the ingredients on the food label as acesulfame K, acesulfame potassium, Ace-K, or Sunett. It is 200 times sweeter
than sucrose (table sugar) and is often used as a flavor-enhancer or to preserve
the sweetness of sweet foods. The FDA has set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
of up to 15 mg/kg of body weight/day.
Acesulfame K: What is the negative side?
The problems surrounding acesulfame K are based on the improper testing and
lack of long-term studies. Acesulfame K does contain the carcinogen methylene
chloride. Long-term exposure to methylene chloride can cause headaches,
depression, nausea, mental confusion, liver effects, kidney effects, visual
disturbances, and cancer in humans. There has been a great deal of opposition to
the use of acesulfame K without further testing, but at this time, the FDA has
not required that these tests be done.
Neotame: What is the positive side?
In 2002, the FDA approved a new version of aspartame called Neotame. Neotame
is chemically related to aspartame without the phenylalanine dangers for
individuals with PKU. It is much sweeter than aspartame with a potency of
approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). The FDA
has set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at 18 mg/kg of body weight/day.
Neotame: What is the negative side?
Neotame entered the market much more discreetly than the other nonnutritive
sweeteners. While the Web site for neotame claims that there are over 100
scientific studies to support its safety, they are not readily available to the
public. Opponents of neotame claim that the studies that have been done do not
address the long-term health implications of using this sweetener. Without
scientifically sound studies, done by independent labs, the opponents of neotame
will continue to refute its use.
Next: Is it safe to blend artificial sweeteners? »
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