Benzoic acid and acesulfame K combined effects on kidney cells
What it found
In lab tests, combining benzoic acid and acesulfame K harmed kidney cells more than either additive alone.
The two compounds worked together to block cell repair and increase damage signals.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Benzoic acid in kidney cells
In lab tests, benzoic acid alone slowed the growth of kidney cells. It also lowered levels of a protein called beta-catenin that helps cells function.
Acesulfame K in kidney cells
Acesulfame K alone did not significantly slow kidney cell growth in these lab tests. However, it turned on a cell signal called STAT3.
Combined effect on cells
When both additives were given together, they strongly blocked kidney cell growth. Benzoic acid reduced the cells' ability to repair themselves while acesulfame K increased damage signals.
Other findings
Computer predictions for kidneys
Computer models suggested both additives could harm the kidneys. They appeared to share targets linked to chemical responses and disrupted metabolism.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that benzoic acid and acesulfame K can work together to harm kidney cells through specific cell signals.
- The authors say this provides new evidence for assessing the risks of mixed food additives.
How it was done
Benzoic acid and acesulfame K are often found together in foods and drinks. Scientists do not yet know much about their combined effect on the kidneys.
Researchers used computer models and lab tests on human kidney cells called HK2. They tested benzoic acid alone, acesulfame K alone, and both together to see how they affected the cells.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are lab tests on isolated cells.
- They cannot show what happens when people eat or drink products containing both additives.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
- Authors work at
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China; Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
The paper
- Title
- Co-exposure to benzoic acid and acesulfame K synergistically induces nephrotoxicity through the CTNNB1/STAT3 axis
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Ma Y, Mai X, Fan W, et al (2026). Co-exposure to benzoic acid and acesulfame K synergistically induces nephrotoxicity through the CTNNB1/STAT3 axis. Food and chemical toxicology. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2026.116004PubMed 41655687DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error