I’ve got a question to John Berardi or anyone who might know something about the subject. Recently I bought some cans of “Ultra Pure Protein Shake” made by Worldwide Sport Nutritional Supplements, Inc. I was reasonably satisfied both with taste and the content (35 g of protein, 6 g carbs, 2g sugars) but then I read the label more carefully and realized that they use artificial sweetener Acesulfame Potassium. I was curious about that beast and made some quick Internet search. I was amazed at the negative info concerning this sweetener! I realize there are some people who will always be dissatisfied with new, “artificial” products, be it genetically modified plants or aspartame or whatever. But there are some voices of concern from MDs as well as some publications in serious journals (see e.g. Food Chem Toxicol 1997 Dec;35(12):1177-9 In vivo cytogenetic studies on mice exposed to acesulfame-K–a non-nutritive sweetener. Mukherjee A, Chakrabarti J.)
Reading the abstract I’d say the dosages they use are a bit excessive :-), but if Acesulfame can be stored in the organism somewhere (like DDT), you’ll finally get these doses…
Now, to understand the dose of Acesulfame in the can, I called the Sport Nutrition. Guess what - they refused to tell, because it is “proprietary info”! It seems stupid that they must disclose the amount of sugar but can avoid doing it for (potentially more dangerous) artificial sweeteners. Makes me wonder, how much of various colorings and sweeteners we eat everyday (apparently Acesulfame is widely used!), while thorougly counting our carbs, protein, fat and sugars!
Now the question: what do you think about this artificial sweetener? Should I dump these cans? Should I stop worrying? 
Your opinions are appreciated.
Andy
(P.S. yes, I’ve read TC’s piece about sweeteners in (Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION) but he doesn’t mention Acesulfame.)