Question

Which of the following are Artificial Sweetening agents? (a) Cyclomate (b) Alitame (c) Sucrose (d) Aspartame

Short answer

Cyclomate, Alitame, and Aspartame are artificial sweetening agents.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are chemically synthesized substitutes for sugar that provide sweetness without calories. Recognize which compounds among the given options are commonly classified as artificial sweeteners.

Evaluate Option (a) Cyclomate

Cyclomate is a synthetic artificial sweetening agent. It is often combined with other sweeteners and has been used as a low-calorie sugar substitute.

Evaluate Option (b) Alitame

Alitame is a potent artificial sweetener, known for being significantly sweeter than sucrose. It is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent.

Evaluate Option (c) Sucrose

Sucrose is a natural sugar obtained from plants such as sugar cane and sugar beet. It is not considered an artificial sweetening agent but rather a natural sweetener.

Evaluate Option (d) Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in the food industry. It is often found in diet sodas and low-calorie products.

Key concepts

Cyclomate

Cyclomate is an artificial sweetening agent often used in combination with other sweeteners to enhance the flavor profile of various foods and beverages. This synthetic compound is part of the sulfonyl family, which was discovered in the early 1930s. Cyclomate itself is much sweeter than sucrose, making it a practical choice for calorie reduction in dietetic products.

• Benefits: Cyclomate is preferred for its ability to mimic sugar's sweet taste without adding calories, making it especially appealing to people managing their weight or diabetes.
• Uses: It is commonly used in diet drinks, sugar-free candies, and some baked goods.
• Considerations: Despite its benefits, cyclomate's safety has been debated, leading to its ban in the United States in 1969. However, it is still used in several other countries.

Alitame

Alitame is another artificial sweetening agent, celebrated for its intense sweetness, significantly surpassing that of regular table sugar, or sucrose. It is a dipeptide sweetener, composed of two amino acids which contribute to its high potency.

• Supercharged Sweetness: Alitame is estimated to be about 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose. This means that only a tiny amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness, making it economical.
• Applications: This sweetness advantage allows alitame to be used in a variety of low-calorie and sugar-free products, including soft drinks, desserts, and chewing gum.
• Stability: Alitame is known for its stability in varying pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of food processing methods.
• Safety: It has undergone numerous safety evaluations and is approved for use in many countries, although not yet widely available.

Aspartame

Aspartame is a widely recognized artificial sweetener that has overtaken the food industry by storm. It is favored for its sugar-like taste and is made from phenylalanine and aspartic acid, two naturally occurring amino acids.

• Metabolic Breakdown: When consumed, aspartame is broken down into common dietary components, contributing to its safety profile.
• Market Presence: It is extensively used in products like diet sodas, flavored waters, and sugar-free chewing gum, highlighting its versatility.
• Health Considerations: Despite its popularity, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame due to their body's inability to metabolize phenylalanine properly.
• Regulatory Approval: Aspartame is approved by major health agencies around the world, including the FDA and WHO, cementing its place in the sweetener market.