Combination of Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium Does not Alter Blood Glucose, Lipids and Cytokines of Female Rats

 The use of combination of artificial sweeteners, most importantly aspartame (E951) and acesulfame potassium (E950) in foods, beverages and other products is on the increase despite reports on their side effects. This study investigated the effects of combination of tolerable daily dose of both aspartame and acesulfame-k on blood glucose, lipids and cytokines of female Wistar rats. Twenty-five female Wister rats weighing 90.7±8.1 g were randomly assigned into five groups. Groups 1 (control group) were administered 0.5 mL distilled water, Group 2; 0.5 mL mixture of 50 mg/kg b.w./day aspartame and 15 mg/kg b.w./day of acesulfame-k, Group 3; 0.5 mL of 15 mg/kg b.w./day of acesulfame-k, Group 4; 0.5 mL of 50 mg/kg b.w./day of aspartame and Group 5; 0.5 mL 330 mg/kg b.w./day of sucrose, all for twenty eight days. The biochemical parameters blood glucose, lipids and cytokines were assayed. Results obtained showed that blood glucose level, lipids and cytokines of rats exposed to the mixture of acesulfame-k and aspartame were not significantly altered compared to the control rats. In conclusion, administration of combination of acesulfame-k and aspartame to the female rats at the tolerable daily intake level did not disturb the blood glucose, lipid and cytokine status.