E400 - Alginic Acid

Author: Ivan Red Jr. Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: Alginic acid is a stabilizer that preserves the consistency and increases the viscosity of the product. It has the structure of a sticky substance that is extracted from larger kelp algae

Characteristic

Alginic acid is a stabilizer that preserves the consistency and increases the viscosity of the product. It has the structure of a sticky substance that is extracted from the larger algae kelp and fucus. Kelp contains about 30% alginic acid. E 400 does not dissolve in water or in most solvents. The use of acid as a thickener is explained by its ability to absorb water.

The additive is a polymer chain that consists of monomers in different proportions and depends on the type of algae from which the acid is extracted. It should be noted that alginic acid is not processed by the human body.

Use

The substance is used in the manufacture of marmalades, jelly products and jam. Also:

to provide gloss for printed products;
for gluing paper;
in the production of printer ink;
in the making of cosmetics;
in the production of insecticides;
in pharmacology in the composition of drugs;
as a stabilizer in ice cream and milkshakes;

Impact on humans

Alginic acid is found in sea kelp. The beneficial properties of seaweed are due to the presence of E 400. The acid has the ability to remove radionuclides and various heavy metals from the body.

Despite the beneficial properties of the supplement, people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should be careful with its use, because alginic acid is not absorbed by the body. However, it is considered useful for humans.

E 400 does not have allergenic properties, does not irritate the skin and mucous membranes. In some countries it is allowed to be added to baby and medicinal foods.

E400 - Alginic Acid

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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