Acesulfame Research Articles

Intake of low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) by the Brazilian population

ABSTRACT Estimated intake of six low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) (acesulfame potassium, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, steviol glycosides and sucralose) from processed foods and beverages, as well as from tabletop sweeteners uses, by the Brazilian population were derived and compared to the respective Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The estimates were based on dietary consumption data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) in 2008–2009 and LNCS use rates and associated market share information based on data provided by Brazilian industry members. Two intake scenarios were considered: a conservative brand loyal consumer scenario that assumes all LNCS-containing foods and beverages and tabletop sweeteners contain the maximum reported LNCS concentrations (Scenario A) and a scenario representative of the general consumer population that uses a market share weighted average of the reported concentrations (Scenario B). Intake estimates were derived for the total Brazilian population (age 10 + y), and for the subpopulations of adolescents (10–18y), adults (19–59y), and older adults (60 + y). Intake of LNCS up to the 95th percentile did not exceed their respective ADI for all subpopulations considered, in either the general consumer scenario or the brand loyal scenario. Among consumers age 10 + y, the 95th percentile intakes of the various LNCS ranged from 6.8% to 54% of their respective ADI for the brand loyal scenario and from <1% to 6.0% of their respective ADIs for the general consumer scenario.

Aspartame, acesulfame K and sucralose- influence on the metabolism of Escherichia coli

BackgroundGut microbes play a crucial role in the maintenance of human health. Components in the diet of the host affect their metabolism and diversity. Here, we investigated the influences of three commonly used non-caloric artificial sweeteners-aspartame, acesulfame K and sucralose-on the growth and metabolism of an omnipresent gut microbe Escherichia coli K-12. Methods: Growth of E. coli in the presence of aspartame, acesulfame K and sucralose in media was assessed and the influences of these artificial sweeteners on metabolism were investigated by relative expression analysis of genes encoding the rate limiting steps of important metabolic pathways as well as their global metabolomic profiles. Results: As a whole, E. coli growth was inhibited by aspartame and induced by acesulfame potassium, while the effect of sucralose on growth was less prominent. Although the expressions of multiple key enzymes that regulate important metabolic pathways were significantly altered by all three sweeteners, acesulfame K caused the most notable changes in this regard. In multivariate analysis with the metabolite profiles, the sucralose-treated cells clustered the closest to the untreated cells, while the acesulfame potassium treated cells were the most distant. These sweeteners affect multiple metabolic pathways in E. coli, which include propanoate, phosphonate, phosphinate and fatty acid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and biosynthesis of several amino acids including lysine and the aromatic amino acids. Similar to the gene expression pattern, acesulfame potassium treated E. coli showed the largest deviation in their metabolite profiles compared to the untreated cells.

KARAKTERISTIK FISIKOKIMIA DAN PROFIL SENSORI MANGGA GEDONG PADA DUA TINGKAT KEMATANGAN

Mangoes of Gedong variety (Mangifera indica L. var. gedong) is one of the exported commodities from Indonesia. Half mature mangoes of this type are called gedong mangoes, whereas the full ripe mangoes are called gedong gincu mango. This research aimed to determine the physicochemical charac-teristics, sensory attributes and volatile compounds of the above two mango types. The results showed that gedong mangoes had a lower pH value, less total soluble solid, harder texture, and the skin color had a lower intensity of lightness, redness, and yellowness as compared to gedong gincu mango. The sensory analysis using rate-all-that-apply (RATA) method showed that attributes of color, fibrous, aroma (fruity, caramel, cooked, green, fermented, floral, sweet), taste (sweet, sour), melting, firmness, juiciness and astringency were significantly different between gedong and gedong gincu mango. The overall sensory of gedong gincu mangoes was more preferred by the panelists with the hedonic score of 6.20±0.09 (6= like) while that of gedong mango was 5.37±0.09 (5= slightly like). The sensory profiles of both mangoes were supported by the analysis of their volatile compounds. The gedong mango had predominantly green type of volatiles aroma while the gedong gincu was dominated by the fruity sweet ones. The sensory acceptability of gedong gincu mango was significantly higher rather than that of gedong mango.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Sodium Saccharin and Potassium Acesulfame in BALB/C Mice in Short-Term Trials

Introduction: Sweeteners are molecules that give a sweet taste to a foodstuff. The question of the correct use of sweeteners is still being studied because the results of investigations are often contradictory.&#x0D; Objective: the current study aims at evaluating the risk of short-term immunotoxicity induced by sodium saccharin and potassium acesulfame in BALB/c mice.&#x0D; Methods: Animals are given low concentrations of sweeteners (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) in drinking water for 90 days. During this period, a subcutaneous immunization is conducted. Blood is taken from the retro-orbital sinus and the animals are sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Weight measurements and histological studies have involved spleen, thymus, bladder and lungs. Levels of immunoglobulins are measured by reversed single radial immunodiffusion.&#x0D; Results: A significant rise in the consumption of sweeteners is found in the groups receiving doses of 1% and 2% (p&lt;0.05). Organ weight is not affected in both sexes (p&gt;0.05). Histology shows no tissue abnormality of thymus and lungs in groups consuming sweeteners. However, histological disturbances of the spleen are observed in mice that have received the dose of 2%. Histological study of bladder has revealed hyperplasia in the groups receiving 1% and 2% of sweeteners. Immunodiffusion assay shows no change in immunoglobulin levels in the groups consuming sweeteners (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Sweeteners have adverse effects on the immune system in BALB/c mice and induce histological abnormalities in the spleen and bladder.&#x0D; Keywords: Sweeteners, Saccharin, Potassium Acesulfame, Immunotoxicity, Immunoglobulins, Reversed single Radial Immunodiffusion.

An accuracy-based proficiency testing programme with metrological reference values for the mass fraction of acesulfame potassium and sucralose in cake mix flour

This paper describes a metrological approach to evaluate the measurement capability of laboratories participating in a then Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation [APLAC, now Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation] proficiency testing (PT) programme on mass fraction of acesulfame potassium and sucralose in cake mix flour. The programme was jointly organised by the Chemical Metrology Laboratory of the Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, and the Singapore Accreditation Council. Through the extensive APLAC network of accreditation bodies, 41 nominated laboratories from 32 economies registered, of which 40 laboratories submitted their results. Reference values of artificial sweeteners in the programme for performance evaluation were obtained from a high-accuracy liquid chromatography isotope dilution mass spectrometry (LC-IDMS) method. One of the unique features of this PT programme was the provision of pure substance certified reference materials (CRMs) of acesulfame potassium and sucralose to the participating laboratories as calibration standards to ensure comparability and metrological traceability of results. The participating laboratories’ performance, based on z-scores, were evaluated using the assigned reference value determined from IDMS. Five and one of the laboratories’ results would be incorrectly evaluated using consensus value calculated from the laboratories’ results for performance evaluation and using commercial standard as calibrant, respectively. This PT programme demonstrates the importance of the use of metrologically traceable reference values as the assigned values for appropriate evaluation of accuracy and reliable assessment. The provision of CRMs also heightened the testing laboratories’ awareness on the importance of using CRMs as calibrants for accurate measurements.

Influence of Trehalose Mouth Rinse on Anaerobic and Aerobic Exercise Performance

Trehalose is a disaccharide consisting of 2 glucose units linked in an alpha 1,1-glycosidic bond. Pre-exercise trehalose ingestion enhances exercise performance within 30 minutes. Enhanced performance was hypothesized to be due to a mouth rinse effect. A 3-arm double-blind crossover trial was conducted to test this hypothesis. Ten healthy male collegiate distance runners rinsed their mouths with either trehalose (6% w/v) or maltose (6% w/v) or acesulfame potassium (0.04 mg/mL) for 5 seconds and then performed an exercise assessment composed of 6-second peak power and endurance tests. Trehalose induced the highest mean power output ( P &lt; .01) in peak power tests. In the endurance test, trehalose consistently showed higher mean power output than maltose. The 3 test drinks displayed indistinguishable sweetness and were expected to activate receptors for sweetness (T1R2-T1R3) with the same intensity. Trehalose activates taste receptors T1R1-T1R3, T1R3-T1R3 homodimer, and T1R2-T1R3, whereas sucrose activates only T1R2-T1R3. Therefore, a difference in mouth rinse effect might be due to a specific receptor in the oral cavity that recognizes differences between trehalose and maltose.

Effect of the Glycemic Index of Meals on Physical Exercise: A Case Report

Abstract Carbohydrate uptake before physical exercise allows to maintain plasma glucose concentration. Though, foods or beverages containing the same carbohydrate concentration do not produce the same glycemic and insulin responses which are related to their glycemic index (GI). Last, most studies of CHO loading have been conducted with male subjects, with the assumption that the results also apply to female athletes. Sixteen volunteer amateur athletes, eight men and eight women (age 39.1 ± 7.8 y; VO2max 55,7 ± 11,7 ml/kg/min), were selected and then divided into four groups of four people each one. The trial was divided into several days, one for each group. A carbohydrate source or a placebo (energy 86,5 ± 6,7 kcal; CHO 20,0 g; fat 0,3 ± 0,3 g; protein 0,8 ± 0,8 g) was assigned randomly to each athlete in the group: these supplements differed in the ability to increase blood glucose (banana: high-GI; dried apricots: low-GI; energy gel: mixture of CHO with different blood release), while the placebo was composed of water, sodium cyclamate, sodium saccharin and acesulfame potassium. Three blood samples were taken from each athlete from finger, by glucometer: one before supplementation, one half an hour later – at the start of the run – and one at the end of the exercise. Physical activity consisted of 40 minutes run at medium-high intensity, corresponding to 82% of maximum heart rate or 70% of VO2max. In order to improve the analysis of the results obtained from the detection of biological samples, a questionnaire was submitted to all participants to know their lifestyle and anthropometric and physiological data. Results highlighted a different glycemic response between men and women, suggesting the consumption of low-GI food rather than high-GI before physical exercise in order to keep plasma glucose levels constant.

Behavioral and neurophysiological taste responses to sweet and salt are diminished in a model of subclinical intestinal inflammation

There is strong evidence for gut-taste bud interactions that influence taste function, behavior and feeding. However, the effect of gut inflammation on this axis is unknown despite reports of taste changes in gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory conditions. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory stimulus derived from gram-negative bacteria, is present in the normal GI tract and levels increase during high-fat feeding and gut infection and inflammation. Recordings from the chorda tympani nerve (CT), which transmits taste information from taste buds on the anterior tongue to the brain, previously revealed a transient decrease in sucrose responses in mice that ingest LPS during a single overnight period. Here we test the effect of acute or chronic, weekly LPS gavage on licking behavior and CT responses. Using brief-access testing, rats treated with acute LPS and mice receiving acute or chronic LPS decreased licking responses to sucrose and saccharin and to NaCl in mice. In long-term (23 h) tests chronic LPS also reduced licking responses to saccharin, sucrose, and NaCl in mice. Neurophysiological recordings from the CT supported behavioral changes, demonstrating reduced responses to sucrose, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, glucose and NaCl in acute and chronic LPS groups compared to controls. Chronic LPS significantly elevated neutrophils in the small intestine and colon, but LPS was not detected in serum and mice did not display sickness behavior or lose weight. These results indicate that sweet and salt taste sensitivity could be reduced even in asymptomatic or mild localized gut inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Acesulfame as a suitable sewer tracer on groundwater pollution: A case study before and after the 2016 Mw 7.0 Kumamoto earthquakes

On April 14th and 16th, 2016, two large-scale earthquakes (Mw 6.2 and 7.0) occurred in Kumamoto, Japan. The sewer system was seriously damaged and there were concerns about groundwater pollution by sewer exfiltration. In this study, artificial sweeteners including acesulfame (ACE) in groundwater were analyzed before and after the earthquakes to evaluate sewage pollution and its temporal variation. Before the earthquakes, ACE was detected in 31 of 49 groundwater samples analyzed, indicating that wastewater may have leaked into groundwater. Groundwater was sampled from the same locations 2, 7, 12, and 30 months after the earthquakes. The detection frequency and median concentration of ACE in groundwater increased significantly 7 months after the earthquakes, from several tens to maximumly 189 times greater than the pre-earthquake concentrations. This suggests the earthquakes caused serious damage to sewer pipes and groundwater may be polluted. However, ACE concentrations drastically decreased or remained low 30 months after the earthquakes, probably due to the recovery and restoration work of sewer infrastructure. This study shows that ACE is an excellent tracer for evaluating sewer exfiltration to groundwater. In addition, it is important to obtain data on sewage tracers under normal condition as part of preparations for large-scale earthquakes.

Degradation of acesulfame in UV/monochloramine process: Kinetics, transformation pathways and toxicity assessment

UV/monochloramine (UV/NH2Cl) is an emerging advanced oxidation process that can generate various reactive species like reactive chlorine species (RCS) and hydroxyl radicals for micropollutant removal. This study investigated the potential toxicity of transformation products resulting from UV/NH2Cl treatment of acesulfame (ACE), as an example of micropollutant, found in worldwide aquatic environment. Compared with UV photolysis and chloramination, the UV/NH2Cl process more effectively degraded ACE. The transformation products of ACE treated with the UV/NH2Cl process were identified and characterized with high resolution mass spectrometry. The formation of chlorinated-TPs indicated the role of RCS in UV/NH2Cl transformation even though UV photolysis was predominantly responsible for the ACE degradation. The Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay revealed a higher toxicity of TPs derived from UV/NH2Cl than from UV photolysis. The increased toxicity could be attributed to most of the generated chlorinated-TPs (Cl-TPs), in particular those halo-alcohols. The ECOSAR program predicts that halo-alcohol TPs are more toxic than their non-chlorinated analogues and other Cl-TPs. This study provides insight into the important role of reactive species in the micropollutants’ transformation of UV/NH2Cl process. It further provides information relevant to the potential risk when applying the process for micropollutant removal in water treatment.

Influence of Different Sweeteners on the Stability of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry Juice.

Cornelian cherries are red fruits which can be considered as a valuable dietary source of antioxidant biologically active compounds, especially anthocyanins. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anthocyanins degradation process in Cornelian cherry juice supplemented with different sweeteners. Four formulations of Cornelian cherry juice were prepared using different sugars (sucrose, fructose) or artificial sweeteners (aspartame and acesulfame potassium). The obtained juices were stored at three distinct temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C, and 75 °C) in order to evaluate the effects of the sweetener and storage conditions on the pigment stability. The rate constants (k) and the half time values (t1/2) of the degradation processes were determined. The highest stability was observed for the anthocyanins from the unsweetened juice stored at 2 °C (k = 0.5·10−3 h−1), while the most accelerated degradation was registered for the fructose sweetened juice stored at 75 °C (k = 91.65·10−3 h−1). The presence of the different sweeteners in the Cornelian cherry juice affects their pigment stability during storage. The highest change in the retention of anthocyanins was determined by the presence of fructose, while acesulfame potassium had the less deleterious effect.

The Effect of Maternal Exposure to Acesulfame Potassium (Acesulfame-K) on the Development of the Male Gonad in Adult Rats

Background: Acesulfame potassium is a low calorie sweetener. Considering its growing rate of consumption, investigation of its potential impacts on health is necessary. In the current study, the effect of intraperitoneal injection of this substance was investigated during pregnancy and after breast-feeding on the spermatogenesis of adult male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, acesulfame potassium (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally into pregnant (Wistar) rats and then into the male infants after breast-feeding until maturity. After anaesthesia and blood sampling from the adult males, the serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured using the ELISA method. Subsequently, some of the rats were anatomized from each group, and histological sections were prepared from their testicles using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The histological sections were examined in terms of morphology and spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid cell counts by optical microscopy. Also, the weight changes in the mothers and infants were examined during the trial period. The data were analysed by the ANOVA method. Results: The average weight of the infants treated at dosages of 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight increased significantly compared to that of the other groups. No significant difference was observed in the weight ratio of testes to the body and LH value in any of the groups. While the FSH value showed significant reduction in the infants receiving dosages of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (P < 0.01), testosterone at dosages of 50, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight increased significantly (P < 0.001). Histological studies did not show significant disruption in the spermatogenesis process and the average number of cells counted. Conclusion: It seems that consumption of acesulfame potassium during pregnancy and infancy probably does not have a negative impact on testicular development and spermatogenesis after puberty.

Development and Validation of HPLC-DAD Method for Simultaneous Determination of Seven Food Additives and Caffeine in Powdered Drinks.

The usage of food additives must respect the general legislation in force in the country and requires a reliable analytical method for surveillance. This research aimed to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of seven food additives and caffeine in powdered drinks. Three factors likely to affect the chromatographic separation, namely, mobile phase composition at the beginning (x1, 0–10% of the amount of methanol in the phosphate buffer) and the end (x2, 60–100% of the amount of methanol in the phosphate buffer) of the gradient program and pH (x3, 3–7), were evaluated with the aid of a Box–Behnken Design (BBD). Subsequently, multi-response optimizations for chromatographic resolutions (Rs) and analysis time were performed using the response surface methodology (RSM) in conjunction with the desirability function (DF). Complete separation (Rs > 1.5) of seven food additives and caffeine was achieved in less than 16 min by applying 8.5% methanol in the phosphate buffer at the beginning and 90% at the end of the gradient program, in pH 6.7. The developed method was validated with low limits of detection (ranging from 1.16 mg kg−1 (sodium saccharin) to 3.00 mg kg−1 (acesulfame potassium)), low limits of quantification (ranging from 3.86 mg kg−1 (sodium saccharin) to 10.02 mg kg−1 (acesulfame potassium)), high precision (CV < 4%), and high accuracy (recoveries from 95 to 101% at 80, 100, and 120% of the target concentration). The method was successfully used to assess the seven food additives and caffeine in commercially available powdered drinks.

Comparison between HPLC and HPIC for Determination of Acesulfame Potassium in Food

Test Results, using High Performance Liquid Chromatographic methods (HPLC) and High Performance Ion Chromatographic methods (HPIC) were compared for determination of acesulfame potassium in beverages, candy, desserts, baked goods, and chewing gum. The ready-for-analysis solution was separated and determined by HPLC on Bondclone 10 C18 Column with 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate : acetonitrile (98 : 2,v/v) as mobile phase and detected by UV at 228 nm, and by HPIC on Dionex AG5 guard column and AS5 anion separation column with 0.5 mM sodium carbonate as eluent, 12 mM sulfuric acid as regenerant, detected by conductivity. The results are shown below : 1. The average recoveries of acesulfame K from samples spiked at 200, 500 and 1000 ug/g determined by HPLC and HPIC were 98.5% and 98.4%, respectively. There were 3. significant differences (α=0.05) between the recoveries of acesulfame K by HPLC and HPIC. 2. The detection limits of acesulfame K by HPLC and HPIC were 0.1～1.0ug/g and 5.0 ug/g, respectively. 3. Among the 50 samples collected from supermarkets in Taipei from Oct. 1991 to Jun. 1992, no acesulfame K was detected.

Consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners by pre-schoolers of the food and environment Chilean cohort (FECHIC) before the implementation of the Chilean food labelling and advertising law

BackgroundConsumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is becoming increasingly more frequent, particularly in the context of obesity prevention policies. The aim of this study was to describe the consumption of NNS in an ongoing cohort of pre-schoolers (4–6-year-old) before the implementation of the Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law, identify sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics associated with their consumption, and describe the main dietary sources of each NNS sub-type.MethodsIn 959 low-medium income pre-schoolers from the Food and Environment Chilean Cohort (FECHIC), dietary data from a single 24-h recall was linked to NNS content information obtained from packaged foods (n = 12,233). The prevalence of NNS consumption was estimated by food source and characterized by child and maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. Intakes and main dietary sources were described for the six most prevalent NNS in Chile: Sodium Cyclamate, Saccharin, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, and Steviol glycosides.ResultsSixty-eight percent of the pre-schoolers consumed at least one source of NNS on the day of the dietary recall; most of them consumed NNS from foods and beverages (n = 532), while only 12% (n = 119) also consumed table-top sweeteners. The prevalence of NNS consumption was significantly higher among children whose mothers had a high educational level compared to children whose mothers did not complete high school (p < 0.05); however, it did not differ by any other variable studied. The highest intakes of NNS were observed for Aspartame [2.5 (1.4–3.7) mg/kg per consumer], followed by Sodium Cyclamate [1.6 (1.3–2.6) mg/kg per consumer] and Steviol glycosides [1.2 (0.2–2.1) mg/kg per consumer]. Beverages were the only food group that contributed to the intake of the six NNS studied, accounting for 22% of the overall intake of Saccharine and up to 99% of Aspartame intake.ConclusionsBefore the implementation of the Food Labelling and Advertising Law, NNS consumption was highly prevalent among a cohort of low-middle income Chilean pre-schoolers. Continuous monitoring of NNS consumption is essential given potential food reformulation associated with the implementation of this set of obesity-prevention policies.

Variable persistence of artificial sweeteners during wastewater treatment: Implications for future use as tracers

For more than a decade the artificial sweeteners acesulfame (ACE) and sucralose (SUC) have been applied as tracers of the input of wastewater to environmental waters. Recently concerns have been raised that degradation of ACE during treatment may hinder or restrict its use as a wastewater tracer. In this study the value of ACE and SUC as tracers was reassessed based on samples of wastewater at 12 municipal wastewater treatment (MWWT) plants and from 7 septic systems and associated septic plumes in groundwater. The results indicated stability of SUC during MWWT at most plants, and variable removal of both sweeteners during some MWWT and in the septic wastewater systems. However, the residual concentrations of ACE and SUC in municipal effluent and in septic plumes indicate that both sweeteners remain valuable wastewater tracers. The mass ratio SUC/ACE was found to be a useful parameter for examining the relative persistence of these sweeteners.

Consumption of the Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium throughout Pregnancy Induces Glucose Intolerance and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with metabolic dysfunction. Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are often promoted as an alternative. However, evidence for the safety of ASB consumption during pregnancy is lacking. The effects of sugar-sweetened beverage and ASB consumption during pregnancy in mice were examined, and we hypothesized that both sugar-sweetened beverages and ASBs would impair maternal metabolic function. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice received control drinking water (CD), high-fructose corn syrup (Fr; 20% kcal intake; 335 mM), or the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (AS; 12.5 mM) in their drinking water, from gestational day (GD) 0.5 (n=8/group). Body weights and food and water intakes were assessed every second day, an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at GD 16.5, and mice were culled at GD 18.5. RT-PCR was carried out on adipose tissue, liver, and gut. Adipose tissue morphology was assessed using histological methods. In a separate cohort of animals, pregnancy length was assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed for the OGTT and weight gain data. All other data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA. Fr and AS significantly impaired glucose tolerance, as demonstrated by OGTT (21% and 24% increase in AUC, respectively; P=0.0006). Fr and AS reduced expression of insulin receptor (39.5% and 33% reduction, respectively; P=0.02) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (45.2% and 47%, respectively; P=0.039), whereas Fr alone reduced expression of protein kinase B (36.9% reduction; P=0.048) and resulted in an increase in adipocyte size and leptin concentrations (40% increase; P=0.03). AS, but not Fr, reduced male fetal weight (16.5% reduction; P=0.04) and female fetal fasting blood glucose concentration at cull (20% reduction; P=0.02) compared with CD. AS significantly reduced the length of pregnancy compared with the CD and Fr groups (1.25 d shorter; P=0.02). Fr and AS consumption were associated with maternal metabolic dysfunction in mice. AS was also associated with reduced fetal growth and fetal hypoglycemia. Therefore, ASBs may not be a beneficial alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy.

Performance of ultraviolet/persulfate process in degrading artificial sweetener acesulfame

The degradation of the artificial sweetener acesulfame (ACE) was investigated using an ultraviolet (UV)365-activated peroxydisulfate (PDS) process. The results demonstrated that the ACE reaction rate with the UV/PDS process followed pseudo first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.9) under various conditions. A high dosage of PDS, alkaline condition, and the existence of NO3− and Cl− enhanced ACE degradation; however, a high dosage of ACE, the existence of HCO3−, humic acid, and fulvic acid, and a real water matrix did not facilitate the degradation of ACE. Four types of transformation products were detected in the degradation of ACE by UV/PDS, and the primary degradation pathways were oxidation, hydroxyl substitution, hydrolysis, and hydration. The hydroxyl radicals played a predominant role (71.31%) in the degradation of ACE by the UV/PDS process, followed by sulfate radicals (14.57%) and UV photolysis (8.83%). Both the degradation and mineralization rates of ACE using the UV/PDS process had significant advantages over that of the UV/H2O2 process regarding ACE degradation, indicating that the UV/PDS process is more promising for treating water containing ACE.

Occurrence of Emerging Contaminant Acesulfame in Water Treatment System and Its Degradation during Ozone Oxidation

ABSTRACT The occurrence of acesulfame (ACE) in two full-scale drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in Zhejiang Province, China, was investigated. The results showed that ACE was commonly detected in the raw water of the DWTPs at ND–0.125 and ND–0.093 μg/L, respectively. The maximum ACE removal efficiencies in the DWTP with traditional processes were less than 10%, whereas those in the DWTP with advanced ozonation treatment were 36.70–79.59%. Consequently, ACE degradation by ozone and the key influencing factors were examined. Laboratory-scale experiments were performed and revealed that ACE degradation followed a pseudo first-order kinetics pattern under all reaction conditions. The decomposition rate relied heavily on applied ozone dosage rate, pH, reaction temperature, and the presence of water matrix constituents. Higher ozone input, alkaline conditions, and higher temperatures favored ACE removal. Among four anions tested, CO3 2- exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on ACE decomposition than the other three, namely Cl−, HCO3 −, and SO4 2-, did. Scavenging tests confirmed that direct ozonation accounted for ACE degradation under acidic conditions, whereas the hydroxyl radicals produced by ozone under alkaline conditions gradually promoted ACE degradation with increasing pH. These findings demonstrated that ozonation is a technically viable technology for eliminating ACE from drinking water sources.

Lack of potential carcinogenicity for acesulfame potassium – Systematic evaluation and integration of mechanistic data into the totality of the evidence

The safety of low- and no-calorie sweeteners remains a topic of general interest. Substantial evidence exists demonstrating a lack of carcinogenicity of the no-calorie sweetener acesulfame potassium (Ace K). The objective of this evaluation was to conduct a systematic assessment of available mechanistic data using a framework that quantitatively integrates proposed key characteristics of carcinogens (KCCs) into the totality of the evidence. Over 800 KCC-relevant endpoints from a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays were assessed for quality, relevance, and activity, and integrated to determine the overall strength of the evidence for plausibility that Ace K acts through the KCC. Overall, there was a lack of activity across the KCCs (overall integrated score <0 and no “strong” categorization for evidence of activity) in which data were identified. Together with the absence of treatment-related tumor effects in rodent bioassays, these results support the conclusion that Ace K is unlikely to induce a carcinogenic response. This assessment employed a weight of the evidence analysis that includes the consideration of factors such as reliability, strength of the model system, activity, and dose in a complex and heterogeneous dataset, and the ultimate integration of multiple data streams in the cancer hazard evaluation.