From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free artificial sweetener, also known as Acesulfame K or Ace K, which was discovered in 1967 by Hoechst AG.
Acesulfame potassium is the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3- oxathiazine-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide.
Acesulfame K is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) with a slight bitter flavor when used in large quantities. Unlike aspartame, it is stable under heat allowing it to be used in baking. Acesulfame K is often used in combination with aspartame or other sweeteners because it has a synergistic effect of enhancing and sustaining the sweetness of foods and beverages. Acesulfame is not metabolized by the body and is excreted unchanged in urine.
This artificial sweetener is white crystalline powder with molecular folmure of C4H4NO4KS and molecular weight of 201.24
Acesulfame K was first approved by FDA on july 6, 1988. In december of 2003 a general approval was grated.
Safety of usage of acesulfame K was also examined by JECFA. Conclusion of this tests was that acesulfame K is safe to use. This tests also established an ADI of 15 mg/kg of body weight.
The Scientific Committee for Food of the European Union published a comprehensive assessment of sweetening agents in 1985. This committee of toxicological experts from the EU member countries accepted acesulfame K for use in foods and beverages. Acesulfame K has been used in Europe since 1983, and in the U.S. since 1988, with no known documented adverse health effects.
There are many theories that artificial sweeteners are dangerous, and thay can cause cancer, but this theories was never approved by any science test. Only known problem that acesulfame K could cause is for people that are not able to to metabolize this substance correctly.
Popular products containing acesulfame K include Pepsi ONE, Trident gum, and sugar free Jell-O. Acesulfame K is sold under the brand names "Sunett" and "Sweet One".
CH3
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C---N O
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O K+
