ACESULFAME K SWEETNER
Tyrease White
DeVry University
Acesulfame K was discovered in 1967 by Karl Clause and Harald Jensen. It belongs to the dihydrooxathiazinondioxide sweetener group. It is either made of acetocetic acid derivatives or else these occur during its production as intermediate products. Ace K is not converted in the body and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, and suitable for people with diabetes. A colorless crystal like powder that can be used for baking and cooking. Ace K has a slight after taste and is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. Acesulfame K is often blended with other sweeteners (usually sucralose or aspartame). It is also used as a sweetener in protein shakes and pharmaceutical products, especially chewable and liquid medications, where it can make the active ingredients more palatable.(2) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the general use of Ace K. Reviewers are skeptical about the use and safety of Ace K. They feel that Ace K was not studied adequately and may cause carcinogenic (CANCER) and affect prenatal development. Long term exposure to methylene chloride can cause nausea, headaches, and mood problems, impairment of the liver and kidneys, problems with eyesight. Acesulfame-K may contribute to hypoglemica. (3) There are no facts that state that Ace K causes obesity. Acesulfame K is not metabolized, it contributes no calories. By substituting Acesulfame K for sugar in foods and beverages, calories can be reduced substantially, or, in some products, practically eliminated. It has no effect on serum glucose, cholesterol, or triglycerides. People with diabetes may use products containing Acesulfame K into their balanced diet.(3)
