Cyclamate — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

Cyclamate, discovered by accident in 1937, is an artificial chemical sweetener that is still used today. It is used like most zero-calorie sweeteners, is heat stable, and has a long shelf life. Food factories sometimes use this as a masking agent and sweetener enhancer. Cyclamate has zero glycemic index and zero calories, and is one of the cheapest artificial sweeteners in the world. In the 1960s, studies showed that cyclamate caused development of tumors in the bladders of rodents when fed large quantities. The U.S. banned cyclamate in 1969 due to the results of the study, however, the toxic ingredient is used in many other countries up until now. A common brand name of cyclamate is Sucaryl, manufactured by Merisant, and is sold in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Other names and synonyms of cyclamate include cyclohexylsulfamic acid; cyclamic acid; cyclohexylsulfamic acid; cyclohexanesulfamic acid; N-Cyclohexylsulfamic acid; and CAS-00-88-9.

This artificial sweetener is 30 times sweeter than its equal weight of sugar. It has been studied and approved of in more than 55 countries under the brand names Assugrin, Sweet’N Low and Sugar Twin. Cyclamate, however, is still restricted in some countries despite proof of its safety. The acceptable intake of cyclamate is 11 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

List of known side effects

Side effects, as listed, are from health-related controversies. A 1966 study claimed that cyclamate is able to produce clyclohexylamine by intestinal bacteria, and may have toxic effects in animals and testicular atrophy in mice. Another study, this time in 1969, claimed that cyclamate may increase the incidence of bladder cancer in rats. However, current evidence indicates that cyclamate is not carcinogenic.

Breakdown of cyclamate which results in cyclohexylamine (CHA) can cause high blood pressure and atrophy of the testicles in rats. Some studies show that it may also be toxic to embryos.

There are no cyclamate-specific side effects as of today. Generalizing artificial sweeteners, these synthetic laboratory creations may cause migraines, changes in vision, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, abdominal and joint pains, heart rate fluctuations, depression, memory loss, seizures and brain cancer.

Body systems affected by cyclamate

Artificial sweeteners and probably cyclamate may cause problems with the cardiovascular system, decrease in mental health and gastrointestinal disorders or adverse reactions.

Items that may contain cyclamate

Cyclamate is sold in many countries under the brand names Assugrin, Sweet’N Low, Sugar Twin, Sucaryl, and many more. It may be found in sodas, fruit juices, diabetic foods, desserts and chewing gum. It may also be found in table-top sweeteners, instant beverages, shakes, sports drinks, breakfast cereals, dairy products, biscuits, chocolate, dressings, cakes and baked goods, fruit preservatives, jams, marmalades, puddings, flans, jellies, and some pharmaceutical products.

How to avoid cyclamate

Prior to buying or using artificial sweeteners and products mentioned above, always check the label for cyclamate or any of its synonyms. When in foreign countries that allow this chemical, always ask for the ingredients used in sweet foods.

Where to learn more

• Is Diet Soda Bad for You? Here’s What Happen to Your Body When You Drink It
• Artificial Sweeteners Stay in the Water Supply
• 37 most dangerous foods to stay away from
• Venezuela Bans Coke Zero Citing Health Concerns
• Top 16 chilling food additives

Summary

Cyclamate is an artificial sweetener which may be harmful to human health.

Cyclamate may have carcinogenic tendencies.

Cyclamate is chemically produced, and its components may cause some side effects.

Sources include:

Sugar-And-Sweetener-Guide.com

SweetenerBook.com