Acesulfame potassium (ace-SUHL-faym), also known as Acesulfame K (K is the symbol for potassium), or Ace K, is a calorie-free sugar substitute(artificial sweetener), and marketed under the trade names Sunett and Sweet One. In the European Union, it is known under the E number (additive code) E950.
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Uses
Acesulfame potassium offers consumers a greater choice of low-calorie or reduced-sugar foods that can help them manage their calorie intake. Acesulfame potassium can be used in baking because it is stable, retaining its sweetness at normal baking temperatures. The sweetener, which can be used alone, often is blended with other low-calorie sweeteners to produce a more sugar-like taste than that of any of the low-calorie sweeteners alone.
Benefits
- Acesulfame K has been an approved sweetener since 1988, and yet most people are not even aware that this is an artificial 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.
Cautions
As with other artificial sweeteners, concern exists over the safety of acesulfame potassium. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved its general use. Critics say acesulfame potassium has not been studied adequately and may be carcinogenic, although these claims have been dismissed by the FDA and equivalent authorities in the European Union.
As for potential negative effects, when injected directly in very large doses (the equivalent of 10g for an average sized human male), acesulfame K has been shown to stimulate dose-dependent insulin secretion in rats, though no hypoglycemia was observed
Interactions
None are recorded. Please consult a specialist.
Other names
Acesulfame potassium, E950
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acesulfame_potassium
Nutrition Express, http://www.nutritionexpress.com/article+index/vitamins+supplements+a-z/showarticle.aspx?id=120
Medicinenet, http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page10.htm