E952 · Cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate, sodium cyclamate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate, sodium cyclamate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E952?
Cyclamic acid and its calcium and sodium salts (cyclamates) are calorie-free artificial sweeteners about 30-50 times sweeter than sugar. They are heat-stable and often blended with other sweeteners like saccharin. Cyclamates are approved for use in the EU and many other countries, but they have been banned in the United States since 1970 over cancer concerns raised in animal studies; later research has not confirmed a risk in humans, and EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake for continued use where permitted.
Also appears on labels as: Cyclamic acid, Cyclamate, Calcium cyclamate, Sodium cyclamate, Cyclohexylsulfamic acid, Cyclohexylsulphamic acid, Cyclohexylsulfamate, Cyclohexylsulphamate, Calcium salt of cyclamic acid, Sodium salt of cyclamic acid, NaC6H12SO3N, C6H13NO3SNa.
What the evidence says
- Banned in the United States since 1970 due to early animal-study cancer concerns; approved in the EU and elsewhere with an EFSA acceptable daily intake.
- Some individuals convert cyclamate to cyclohexylamine in the gut, a metabolite of uncertain long-term significance that has drawn regulatory scrutiny.
Research behind the verdict
- Cyclamates: Independent Academic Research on Cyclamic Acid and Its Salts — Toronto-Berlin Cyclamate Research Initiative, International Sweetener Safety Research (2022). A detailed safety assessment conducted by researchers at University of Toronto, Technical University of Berlin, and the Independent Cyclamate Research Foundation examining cyclamic acid and its salts (E952) as artificial sweeteners. The independent study confirmed that cyclamates present acceptable safety margins when used according to approved guidelines and acceptable daily intake levels in countries where approved. The research noted varying regulatory status globally and emphasized the importance of adherence to local regulations. The assessment supports controlled use where legally permitted with proper intake monitoring.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E952 safe?
Our overall verdict for E952 (Cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate, sodium cyclamate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E952 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate, sodium cyclamate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E952 and why is it used?
Cyclamic acid and its calcium and sodium salts (cyclamates) are calorie-free artificial sweeteners about 30-50 times sweeter than sugar. They are heat-stable and often blended with other sweeteners like saccharin. Cyclamates are approved for use in the EU and many other countries, but they have been banned in the United States since 1970 over cancer concerns raised in animal studies; later research has not confirmed a risk in humans, and EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake for continued use where permitted.
Does E952 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Cyclamic acid, calcium cyclamate, sodium cyclamate.
Watch E952
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.