Is Acesulfame K (artificial sweetener) safe for consumption?

Safety of Acesulfame Potassium (Acesulfame K)

Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) is FDA-approved and generally recognized as safe for consumption, though it has been associated with cancer in animals at high doses with no known association in humans. 1

Overview and Regulatory Status

Acesulfame K is an artificial sweetener that:

• Was discovered in 1967 and FDA approved for limited use in 1988, with general use approval (except in meat and poultry) in 2003 1
• Contains zero calories per gram
• Is approximately 300 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar)
• Cannot be heated during food preparation
• Is one of eight non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) currently approved by the FDA 1

Safety Profile and Concerns

General Population Safety

• Acesulfame K has undergone the premarket approval process as a food additive in accordance with FDA requirements 1
• The FDA has established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels, and consumption within these limits is considered safe

Potential Concerns

1. Cancer risk:

   • Associated with cancer in animals at high doses, though no known association has been established in humans 1
   • A 2022 population-based cohort study found acesulfame-K was associated with increased overall cancer risk (HR = 1.13 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.26]) 2

2. Genotoxicity concerns:

   • A 1997 study in mice found dose-dependent chromosomal aberrations even at doses within no-toxic-effect levels 3
   • A 2024 study in rats demonstrated genotoxic and hepatotoxic potential with P53 upregulation in the liver 4

3. Metabolic effects:

   • A 1987 study showed acesulfame K stimulated insulin secretion in rats in a dose-dependent manner without causing hyperglycemia 5

4. Gastrointestinal effects:

   • A 2021 study found acesulfame K induced dysbiosis (altered gut microbiota), increased intestinal permeability, and enhanced lymphocyte migration to intestinal mucosa in mice 6

Special Populations

Children

• The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that NNS intake among children tends to exceed that of adults when assessed as mg/kg of body weight 1
• Pediatric intake of NNSs has been found to vary between 5% and 94% of the ADI in studies of youth with diabetes mellitus 1

Practical Recommendations

1. Moderation approach:

   • While acesulfame K is FDA-approved, the most prudent approach is to consume all artificial sweeteners in moderation
   • The increasing prevalence of NNSs in food products makes monitoring total consumption challenging

2. Alternative sweeteners:

   • Consider alternatives like stevia and monk fruit extract which have no documented contraindications or safety issues 1
   • Sucralose is another alternative with no listed contraindications 1

3. Risk-benefit assessment:

   • When considering acesulfame K consumption, weigh potential benefits (reduced caloric intake, blood glucose management) against emerging research suggesting possible adverse effects
   • Be aware that the number of foods containing NNSs has increased significantly in recent years 1

Key Takeaway

While regulatory bodies consider acesulfame K safe within established limits, emerging research suggests potential concerns regarding cancer risk, genotoxicity, metabolic effects, and gut health. A cautious approach with moderate consumption is advisable until more definitive long-term human studies are available.