Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts
Score impact
-0.60
points/product
Description
E952, known as cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts (cyclamates), is a non-caloric artificial sweetener. It was discovered accidentally in 1937 by Michael Sveda, a student at the University of Illinois. Industrially, it is obtained by sulfonation of cyclohexylamine or by reaction of cyclohexylamine with sulfamic acid. It is a white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water, with a sweetening power 30-50 times that of sugar. It is stable to heat and acidic pH, so it is used in baked goods and carbonated beverages.
In the European Union, it was authorized as a food additive following Directive 94/35/EC, although its use has been debated. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has reassessed its safety several times, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight. WHO and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) have also set the same ADI. However, in the United States, the FDA banned it in 1970 due to studies suggesting a possible carcinogenic effect in rats (bladder cancer). Subsequent studies did not confirm these results in humans, but the ban remains.
In the EU, labeling must include the name or E number, and in some countries a warning is required for people with phenylketonuria (although it does not contain phenylalanine, it is sometimes associated with other sweeteners).
In summary, E952 is considered safe in the EU within established limits, but its use remains controversial and is banned in several countries outside Europe.
E952 is used as a tabletop sweetener, in sugar-free soft drinks, fermented dairy products, desserts, ice cream, confectionery, jams, and fruit preserves.
In the Spanish market, it is found in brands such as 'Canderel' (in combination with other sweeteners), light beverages from Coca-Cola (although in some versions it has been replaced by other sweeteners), and in sugar-free bakery products. The authorized limits under Regulation EC 1333/2008 vary by category: for example, in non-alcoholic beverages up to 400 mg/L, in desserts up to 250 mg/kg, and in tabletop sweeteners quantum satis. In comparison, the FDA does not allow its use in foods, but does in some dietary supplements. In Japan, its use is restricted to certain products. The ADI of 7 mg/kg bw equates to about 490 mg per day for a 70 kg adult, corresponding to approximately 1-2 liters of light beverage.
Documented adverse effects of cyclamate include possible alterations in gut microbiota and, in animal studies, it was associated with bladder cancer in rats when administered at very high doses (equivalent to hundreds of times the ADI). However, epidemiological studies in humans have not found a clear link to cancer.
The proposed mechanism in rats involves the formation of metabolites such as cyclohexylamine, which can be converted by gut microbiota into potentially toxic compounds. In humans, conversion is lower. Sensitive populations: people with hypertension or kidney disease should be cautious due to the sodium content in the sodium salt. No significant drug interactions have been reported.
EFSA and WHO conclude that, within the ADI, cyclamate does not pose a health risk. However, controversy persists and some consumer groups recommend avoiding it.
- Cyclamic acid
- Sodium cyclamate
- Calcium cyclamate
- Cyclamate
- Cyclohexylsulfamate
- N-Cyclohexylsulfamic acid
- Sodium cyclamate
- Calcium cyclamate
- Sodium salt of cyclamic acid
- Calcium salt of cyclamic acid
- Cyclamate sweetener
- Sodium cyclohexylsulfamate
- Calcium cyclohexylsulfamate
- Sucaryl (common trade name)
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