E252 - Potassium Nitrate

Author: Dean Rouseberg Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: The food supplement E 252 is designed to preserve the products, stopping the growth of fungi and bacteria. Potassium nitrate is an odorless and colorless crystalline powder, ra

Characteristics of potassium nitrate

The food supplement E 252 is designed to preserve the products, stopping the growth of fungi and bacteria. Potassium nitrate is an odorless and colorless crystalline powder, decomposes at a temperature of 400 degrees, releasing oxygen and can react with flammable materials. Nitrate used to be obtained from wood ash and limestone, but today it is extracted from plants.

E 252 is banned in many countries around the world or its use is restricted.

Use

The additive is widely used in meat products and cheeses. Potassium nitrate is found in various sausages, sausages, canned meat. The high content of nitrate can change the color of the products and therefore its property is used in the production of anchovies.

Potassium nitrate has no great antimicrobial action. Is used:

in glassmaking;
in the manufacture of rocket fuel;
as an integral part of gunpowder;
as an improver;
in prophylactic toothpastes.

Impact on humans

When potassium nitrate is used in food production, it, practically without control, is converted into nitrites, which can be harmful to health. Some countries are abandoning its use altogether. It is extremely important to note that prolonged and excessive consumption of products containing a preservative leads to the development of anemia and kidney disease. If a large amount of the product is ingested, acute stomach pain, vomiting, uncoordinated movements and muscle weakness, possible pulse disorders and arrhythmia will inevitably occur. Nutritional supplement E 252 disturbs the oxygen balance in the blood, which predisposes to shortness of breath in asthmatics and exacerbation of kidney disease.

The preservative belongs to the group of carcinogens, is a risk factor and leads to the appearance of various tumors. It is absolutely contraindicated for the supplement to be used by children.

E252 - Potassium Nitrate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics of potassium nitrate

Use

Impact on humans

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