You just finished a can of diet soda and you notice that your stomach hurts. This may seem odd because you're used to consuming diet products, but if you are sensitive or allergic to acesulfame potassium, you may develop stomach pain and other reactions. Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in a wide range of diet foods in the United States since 1988, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation. Report all adverse reactions to your doctor.
Acesulfame Potassium and Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is a common side effect of food additive sensitivity. Not everyone's body reacts the same way to artificial ingredients. You may be able to digest other artificial sweeteners without any side effects, but acesulfame potassium may trigger a chemical reaction in your body that results in gastrointestinal inflammation and swelling. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that food additives sensitivity symptoms may vary in severity from person to person. Other common symptom may include sweating, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Allergic Reaction
Consuming chemical ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction in your body after consuming acesulfame potassium. An allergic reaction is not the same as intolerance because its origin is triggered by your immune system, not your digestive system. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that if your immune system mistakes the substance as an infectious organism, antibodies are released that are intended to attack and rid the body of the substance. This reaction unleashes other chemicals that cause inflammation, leading to stomach pain.
Treatment
Whether you're diagnosed with a sensitivity to acesulfame potassium or an allergy, the only effective treatment to prevent your symptoms is avoidance of the substance. The International Food Information Council Foundation states that over 4,000 products contain this artificial sweetener. You'll commonly find it in syrups, alcoholic beverages, dairy products, frozen desserts, gum, candy, sweeteners and dessert toppings. Read the label of all packaged foods before consuming. You may also find the sweetener listed as acesulfame K.
Warning
If you're allergic to this substance, you may develop a systemic reaction that could lead to death. Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to the substance and sends the body into a state of shock. Common symptoms of this type of allergic reaction include pale skin, skin rashes, hives, facial swelling, shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate.
