Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame Potassium

Snapshot: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener used to reduce sugar intake while maintaining sweetness in foods and supplements.

 

What is Acesulfame Potassium?

Acesulfame Potassium (often abbreviated as Ace-K) is a calorie-free artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s commonly used in combination with other sweeteners to enhance flavor without adding calories. It is heat-stable, making it suitable for use in baking and processed products. Ace-K was discovered in 1967 and is widely approved by food safety agencies, including the FDA and EFSA.

Key Benefits:

  • Zero Calories: Helps reduce total calorie intake, supporting weight management goals.
  • Blood Sugar Friendly: Doesn’t spike insulin or blood glucose levels, making it suitable for diabetics.
  • Tooth-Friendly: Unlike sugar, it does not contribute to tooth decay.
  • Enhanced Taste: Often blended with other sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame) to create a sugar-like flavor profile.

Recommended Dosage:

  • The FDA-approved Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 15 mg/kg of body weight per day.
    Example: A 70 kg (154 lb) person can safely consume up to 1,050 mg/day.
  • Common intake from supplements or diet sodas is far below this limit.

  • Note: Acesulfame Potassium is used in tiny quantities due to its high sweetness—usually measured in milligrams.

  • Origin:
  • Ace-K is synthesized in laboratories through a process that combines acetoacetic acid with potassium. It is not naturally derived, but is considered stable, safe, and non-reactive when consumed within regulated amounts.
  • Side Effects & Safety:
  • Approved for use in over 100 countries
  • Considered non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic by regulatory authorities
  • Rare reports of sensitivity or aftertaste
  • Long-term studies in humans show no significant adverse effects at typical consumption levels