Acesulfame K

Description

Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) is an artificial sweetener known as Ace-K. The use of artificial sweeteners has been controversial, given some of their potential health risks. Acesulfame potassium is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative sweetener.

Uses

Acesulfame potassium — also known as acesulfame K or ace K — is an artificial sweetener. In Europe, people sometimes refer to it as E950. Manufacturers sell acesulfame potassium under the brand names Sweet One and Sunett. It is around 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used to give food and drinks a sweet taste without adding calories. Acesulfame works by stimulating the sweet-taste receptors on the tongue so a person can enjoy the taste of sweetness without consuming sugar. Manufacturers usually blend acesulfame potassium with other sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. They do this to mask the bitter aftertaste that sweeteners can have.

Side effects

Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) has been deemed "generally recognized as safe" by the FDA. Still, some researchers are finding it could have negative health effects. One study done on mice found that Ace-K caused weight gain and shifts in the gut microbiome, which could potentially lead to obesity and chronic inflammation.