Acesulfame, commonly known as acesulfame potassium or Ace-K, is a non-caloric artificial sweetener widely used in foods and beverages to provide sweetness without adding sugar or calories. It was discovered in 1967 by German chemist Karl Clauss while working at Hoechst AG during research on organic compounds, when he noticed a sweet taste on his finger after handling the substance. Following its discovery, acesulfame underwent extensive safety testing, and it was first approved for use in foods in several European countries during the 1980s. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration later approved it in stages, beginning in 1988, for specific products and eventually for general use. Because acesulfame is heat-stable and retains its sweetness during cooking and storage, it is often used in baked goods and soft drinks, frequently in combination with other sweeteners to improve taste. Over time, it has become a common ingredient in sugar-free and reduced-calorie products worldwide.
BRAND NAMES
Sunett®: The original brand name for Acesulfame K, developed in Germany by Hoechst AG (now part of Nutrinova/Celanese).
Sweet One®: Another recognized brand name for Acesulfame K.
Equal®: This popular tabletop sweetener uses a blend that includes Acesulfame K (and aspartame, dextrose, maltodextrin).
Nutrinova: This is the company name (Celanese) that produces Sunett® Ace-K, the ingredient itself.
E950: This is its E-number (additive code) in the European Union, rather than a brand name, but it's how it's identified in ingredients lists.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) produces sweetness by binding to the sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3) on the tongue, causing the brain to perceive a sweet taste similar to sugar but without providing calories. It interacts with these receptors through hydrophobic and electrostatic forces to activate the sweet-taste signal. Unlike sugars, Ace-K is quickly absorbed, not metabolized by the body, and eliminated unchanged in the urine, which is why it does not contribute calories.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption
Acesulfame potassium is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral intake. It is absorbed unchanged, does not undergo metabolism, and quickly enters the bloodstream before being eliminated by the kidneys.
Distribution
Acesulfame potassium has a low volume of distribution, estimated at about 20–25% of body weight, corresponding mainly to distribution within plasma and extracellular fluid, with minimal penetration into tissues and no significant accumulation.
Metabolism
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is a non-nutritive sweetener that the human body does not metabolize. After ingestion, it is absorbed in the intestine, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted mostly unchanged in urine within roughly 24 hours, which makes it a reliable marker in wastewater studies. It does not break down into other compounds in the body and has little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels. However, some research suggests that long-term, high-dose consumption may influence gut microbiota and certain metabolic processes.
Excretion
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is predominantly excreted through the kidneys, with more than 98% of the ingested dose being eliminated unchanged in the urine.
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) produces sweetness by activating the sweet taste receptors on the tongue, is not metabolized by the body, and is excreted unchanged in the urine. It has negligible effects on blood glucose, insulin, or other physiological functions at normal dietary levels, though very high doses may slightly affect gut microbiota or metabolism.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
General Use:
Ace-K is used as a non-nutritive sweetener in foods, beverages, and tabletop sweeteners.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI):
15 mg/kg body weight per day (as established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)).
For a 60 kg person, this equals roughly 900 mg per day.
Administration:
Oral use only, incorporated into food and drink products.
Can be used alone or combined with other sweeteners to enhance sweetness and improve taste stability.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) may interact with certain medications by inhibiting the P-glycoprotein (PGP) transporter, potentially affecting drugs such as some antihypertensives, antibiotics, and anticancer agents, even at typical consumption levels. Studies indicate that Ace-K can bind to human serum albumin and alter its structure, which may influence drug absorption and distribution. Although Ace-K is mostly excreted unchanged, its effect on PGP suggests caution when using Ace-K-containing products alongside medications that rely on this transporter.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is mainly used in foods by combining it with other sweeteners, such as sucralose or aspartame, to mask its slightly bitter aftertaste and better replicate the taste of sugar. Its low fat solubility limits its use in products like chocolate. Ace-K may also have drug-like effects, potentially influencing drug absorption or metabolism, and can affect gut microbiota and insulin secretion, indicating possible interactions with certain medications or metabolic conditions.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is generally considered safe, but it should be avoided by individuals with known hypersensitivity to the sweetener. Caution may also be warranted in people with rare metabolic disorders or conditions affecting kidney function, as it is primarily excreted unchanged in urine.
SIDE EFFECTS
Gastrointestinal issues: bloating, gas, or mild diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
Altered gut microbiota: high or long-term intake may affect gut bacteria.
Allergic reactions: rare, but hypersensitivity can occur.
Metabolic effects: very high doses might influence insulin or appetite regulation, though evidence is limited.
OVER DOSE
An overdose of acesulfame potassium is unlikely under normal dietary use. Intake above the acceptable daily intake (ADI) may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea, and very high or prolonged consumption could potentially affect gut microbiota or metabolic responses. Serious toxicity has not been reported, and excess Ace-K is rapidly excreted unchanged in the urine.
TOXICITY
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) has low toxicity and is considered safe at typical dietary levels. Acute toxicity is minimal, with very high doses required to cause harm in animal studies. Long-term studies show no significant adverse effects on organs, reproduction, or development, and there is no evidence of carcinogenicity at approved intake levels. Excessive consumption may slightly affect gut microbiota or metabolic responses, but these effects are generally not clinically significant in humans.
