E952 — Cyclamates

Cyclamates, known as E952, are artificial sweeteners, approximately 30 times sweeter than sucrose, i.e., regular table sugar. They are widely used in various foods and beverages to provide sweetness without adding the calories contained in sugar.

Danger level: 4 — High danger

Purpose in products

E952 or Cyclamate is used to add sweetness to sugar-free and low-calorie products, including soft drinks, baked goods, confectionery, and as mixtures with other sweeteners. Its heat stability makes it convenient for use in cooking and baking.

Health considerations

In 1970, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of cyclamates in food due to studies suggesting a potential link to bladder cancer in laboratory animals. As a result, cyclamates are currently banned from direct addition or use as food for human consumption in the USA.

In the late 1960s, cyclamates were banned in the United Kingdom, but after reassessment by the European Union in 1996, they became a “safe food additive”.

Currently, Cyclamate is approved in more than 50 countries, including the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg per kg of body weight.

Impact on children

There is no specific data indicating that cyclamates pose an additional risk to children when consumed within the established ADI. However, as with all food additives, it is recommended to monitor consumption, especially in children, to ensure that intake remains within the recommended limits — 7 mg per kg of body weight.

Impact on taste

Cyclamates provide a sweet taste without a bitter aftertaste, unlike other artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin. It is often mixed with other sweeteners to achieve a more sugary taste profile and to create a synergistic sweetening effect, improving the overall sweetness of the product.

Besides saccharin, it is compatible with aspartame and acesulfame potassium and improves the stability and taste of the product.

Natural origin

Cyclamates are synthetic compounds and do not occur in nature. They are produced by sulfating cyclohexylamine with chlorosulfonic acid or sulfamate to cyclohexyl sulfamate, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.

Alternatives and substitutes

Other artificial sweeteners used as alternatives to cyclamates include:

  • Aspartame (E951): Approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, commonly used in beverages and tabletop sweeteners.
  • Saccharin (E954): Approximately 200–700 times sweeter than sugar, often used in combination with other sweeteners.
  • Sucralose (E955): Approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose, heat-stable, and suitable for various applications.

Regulation

Cyclamates (E952) are approved for use as food additives in the European Union and many other countries. However, they remain banned in the USA due to past health concerns. Regulators have established acceptable daily intake levels to ensure consumer safety.

Conclusion

E952 (cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts) serves as an effective low-calorie sweetener in various food and beverage products. While considered safe and approved for use in many countries, including European Union countries, cyclamates are banned in the USA due to past health concerns. Consumers should be aware of regional differences in regulation and adhere to recommended intake levels to ensure safety.