Page 60 - FoodFocusThailand No.216 MARCH 2024

STRATEGIC R & D

In-depth information on commonly used artificial react with other food components. From studies, it was
sweeteners found that if sucralose is consumed in large quantities and
Presently, several safe sweeteners are available in the market, metabolized within the body, it causes adverse reactions
and each type has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, such as migraine, stomach discomfort, and inhibits the
having a thorough knowledge of these substitutes will allow growth of intestinal microorganisms. However, even in the
manufacturers to choose these sweeteners correctly for their early stages of research, the safety of this sweetener, similar
respective purposes. In this article, we will give 3 examples of to other sweeteners, has been controversial. However, it
non-calorie sweeteners that are most commonly used in Thailand was later found that sucralose consumption is not associated
as follows: with cancer, even at high doses. Additional research, both
1. Acesulfame-K (E950) is the potassium salt of acesulfame in vitro and in vivo, has confirmed that sucralose is indeed
and is one of the most commonly used artificial sweeteners today. safe for consumption.
It has the appearance of white crystals, is odorless, and has a
molecular weight of 201.24 g/mol. It is 200 times sweeter than Study the limitations for safe use
sucrose but has a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is, therefore, According to market surveys conducted in Thailand
popularly used to develop products using Acesulfame-K in regarding the exposure to 3 types of artificial sweeteners,
combination with other artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, namely acesulfame-K, aspartame, and sucralose, it was
cyclamate, and sucralose, to improve the taste and enhance its found that there are products that use these 3 sweeteners
sweetness. However, acesulfame-K cannot be metabolized and totaling 331 items from 14 food categories according to the
is thus excreted directly from the body as acesulfame-K. Ministry of Public Health Announcement No. 389. The
However, the safety of this type of sweetener is controversial, product group that is consumed the most is the various
along with several other types of artificial sweeteners. Although flavored beverages. This is due to the current situation of
several studies have confirmed its safety, many others have sugar use that has changed according to the measures to
expressed concerns about this matter. For example, one study reduce sugar consumption stipulated by the World Health
has found that acesulfame-K affected individuals with Organization (WHO) and the sugar tax measures. The
hypersensitivity if consumed in large quantities, resulting in market for products using artificial sweeteners is expected
heightened high blood pressure symptoms. to continue to grow. In developing this group of products,
2. Aspartame (E951) Aspartame’s structure consists of it is essential to pay attention to the acceptable daily intake
two amino acids, i.e., methyl ester of phenylalanine and L-aspartic (ADI), as well as the maximum use level, according to the
acid, linked to methanol, and has a molecular weight of 294.301 Codex standard. These measures are established to
g/mol. This type of sweetener’s CAS numbers are 22839-47-0 safeguard consumers regarding safety and entrepreneurs
and 7421-84-3, and it has the appearance of white crystals, is in their production process, including the exports of these
odorless, does not give a bitter or aftertaste, and does not cause foods and beverages. Every sweetener has a different
tooth decay. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sucrose. After consumption and maximum allowable amount, as shown
metabolism, it decomposes into 50% phenylalanine, 40% aspartic in Table 1.
acid, and 10% methyl alcohol by weight. This substance is similar The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated
to what the body gets from everyday foods such as milk, that artificial sweeteners should not be used for weight
vegetables, and fruits. However, phenylalanine can be dangerous control or reducing the risk of developing chronic
for people with phenylketonuria or those who cannot use non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, sweeteners
phenylalanine usually. This is a result of a genetic disorder in still have their advantages in limiting daily dietary energy
which the mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene that intake and controlling blood sugar levels; therefore, it is
is essential for this amino acid breakdown. In this regard, an another interesting option to develop sugar-free food
abnormally high amount of phenylalanine in the blood may affect and beverage products. More importantly, manufacturers
the brain. The regulations of the European Union (EU) No. should thoroughly study the appropriate and safe use of
1169/2011 state that all food and beverages that contain artificial sweeteners. Alternatively, other approaches can
aspartame must be indicated with a label stating, “contains be used in the development of sugar-free food and
aspartame (source of phenylalanine).” Aspartame cannot be beverages, such as natural sweeteners or applying
used in foods with a pH value greater than 6 and is unstable innovation to change the particle structure of sugar so that
when exposed to high temperatures. This is because aspartame it dissolves faster on the tongue, enabling consumers to
is not heat resistant and may cause changes into becoming get the same sweet taste still but a reduced production
Diketopiperazine (DKP), which has no sweet taste and is also amount by up to 40%.
carcinogenic.
3. Sucralose (E955) is another artificial sweetener that is
widely used in the food industry. This substance is obtained by
adding 3 hydroxyl groups to sucrose, thus producing sucralose
that is 750 times sweeter than sugar and has a molecular weight More Information Service Info C007
of 397.64 g/mol. This sweetener is water-soluble and does not

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