Acesulfame Potassium is used as an artificial sweetener in many products. But is acesulfame potassium safe during pregnancy? Find out the answer to this query in the following article. Just read on…
Sugar free, Zero Calorie, Fat free, well you must have come across these terms a lot of times. They are basically related to the artificial sweetener. Acesulfame potassium is one of these sweetener. But what is acesulfame potassium made from? Well, it is made up of acetoacetic acid and potassium. The product is potassium salt which is known as Acesulfame Potassium, Acesulfame K or Ace K. It is 200 times sweeter than the natural sucrose, hence it is widely used in many products. It just adds sweetness to the product without getting digested in the body which means no calories. But is acesulfame potassium safe during pregnancy? Well let’s discuss this in the following paragraphs.
Acesulfame Potassium During Pregnancy
Acesulfame potassium is considered as one of the safest artificial sweetener. It was discovered in 1967 and was approved by the FDA in the year 1988. Because of its high stability, it is used in preparing many baked item and is known for other beneficial uses too. In pregnancy many women try to cut down calories. Hence, they concentrate on sweets that have artificial sweetener which means they are fat free or low calorie products.
This makes them indulge in the artificial sweeteners. Usually, these sweetener are not bad for health, but as excess of anything is bad, daily or excess use of these sweetener can take you to many health complications. Similarly, acesulfame potassium can take you to some side effects if taken in excess.
Ace K is considered safe by the FDA specially for children, pregnant women and breast feeding women. However, there are not much research done in order to prove that Ace K is totally safe for pregnant women. Hence, it’s necessary to consult the doctor before using the products which include Ace K. There are many other side effect also, which can become the matter of concern for some people, but if consumed in a limited quantity it is totally safe. It should not be included in every meal and should not be taken on regular bases. If a pregnant women observes some allergic reactions, then she must stop the intake of this product and should take medical help immediately.
Side Effects of Acesulfame Potassium
Though Ace K is approved by the FDA, there are some of the acesulfame potassium dangers, which need to be considered so as to avoid complications. Following are some of the common side effects of Ace K which may be observed if this compound is taken in a higher amount.
- As we know acesulfame just gives sweetness to the products but it is not absorbed by the body. This means its molecules are not broken down or are not metabolized by the body. This may hamper the metabolic rate which may further result in the inability of the body to metabolize other food products.
- Excess intake of Ace K by diabetic patient may result in the excess production of insulin which may cause hypoglycemia.
- Higher amount of Ace K may also result in breast and lung cancer. Although the studies are still on and there is no significant proof about it, the studies conducted on rats reveal the development of cancerous cells.
- Headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, depression, nausea, are some of the other side effects.
The side effect enlisted above are the common side effects which can be observed in any person who take a higher amount of Ace K. Hence, it is always better to consult a doctor before having these products in the diet, specially when you are expecting a baby. Pregnant women should use honey for sweetening instead of using any artificial sweetener. If you want to have sweet products which contain Ace K then have it in a limited amount. Satisfy your taste bud but do not make it a habit of having products made up of Ace K.
Well, by now you would have understood that though Ace K is approved by the FDA and is considered safe during pregnancy, it is better to take it occasionally. Avoid its daily intake and try to maintain a healthy diet without the usage of artificial sweetener so as to avoid its side effects during pregnancy.
