synthetic additive Other Oral

Saccharin

A synthetic, non-caloric sweetener approximately 300–400 times sweeter than sugar, used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages.

Sci.1,1-Dioxo-1,2-benzothiazol-3-one saccharin saccharin sodium saccharin sodium dihydrate sodium saccharin sodium saccharine
4 forms
Oral

About Saccharin

Saccharin is a synthetic, non-nutritive, high-intensity sweetener belonging to the sulfimide chemical family. It is approximately 300–400 times sweeter than sucrose and is not metabolized by the human body, passing through unchanged. It was the first artificial sweetener discovered and has been used for over a century. Its safety has been extensively studied, with initial concerns over bladder carcinogenicity in male rats later deemed not relevant to humans at typical intake levels.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
7876

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the US; approved as a food additive worldwide (E954 in EU).

Compare All Forms

4 forms

Compare supplement forms of Saccharin by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Calcium Saccharin

Non-nutritive sweetener; provides sweetness without calories...

  • UNII: FST467XS7D
  • CAS: 6381-91-5
  • Label category: synthetic
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Saccharin

Non-nutritive sweetener; zero calories; used in 'sugar-free'...

  • UNII: FST467XS7D
  • CAS: 81-07-2 (acid form); 128-44-9 (sodium salt); 6381-91-5 (calcium salt)
  • Label category: synthetic
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Saccharin (acid form)

Non-nutritive sweetener; may have bitter aftertaste.

  • UNII: FST467XS7D
  • CAS: 81-07-2
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →
Sodium Saccharin

Artificial sweetener; used to sweeten without adding calorie...

  • UNII: SB8ZUX40TY
  • CAS: 128-44-9
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Benzoic sulfimide, Calcium benzosulfimide, Calcium o-benzosulfimide, Calcium Saccharin, Calcium saccharinate, Crystallose, E954, Gluside, Insoluble Saccharin, o-Sulfobenzimide, Saccharin Acid, Saccharin Calcium, Saccharin Calcium Salt, Saccharin free acid, Saccharin Sodium Salt, Sodium benzosulfimide, Soluble Saccharin

Type: Other

Miscellaneous ingredients including fillers, binders, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and other additives found in supplements.

Absorption: Many of these ingredients are inert fillers or additives that may affect absorption of active ingredients.

Interactions: Some additives may have health concerns. Fillers may reduce absorption of other nutrients. Preservatives and artificial colors may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • May have a synergistic sweetening effect when combined with other artificial sweeteners.
  • No significant drug-nutrient interactions are well-established.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Saccharin forms:

Blood Sugar Control Calorie Reduction & Weight Management Dental Health (in oral care products) Dental Health Calorie-Free Sweetening Sugar Substitute for Calorie Reduction

And 2 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Saccharin forms:

Aftertaste How serious: Mild Potential allergic reactions How serious: low Bitter/Metallic Aftertaste How serious: low Gut Microbiota Alteration (theoretical) How serious: low Allergic Reaction (rare) How serious: Moderate Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low

And 1 more side effect...

What does the research say?

Extensive regulatory review and long-term safety studies. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that studies have not shown clear evidence of an association with cancer in humans. The FDA, EFSA, and JECFA have established Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI). Early rodent studies linking saccharin to bladder cancer were later deemed not relevant to humans due to species-specific mechanisms.