E491 - Sorbitan Monostearate

Author: Victoria Aly Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: The additive is a powder or wax-like substance from cream to yellow-brown color. Dissolves well in warm alcohols and liquid hydrocarbons. Practically does not dissolve in the cold

Characteristic

The additive is a powder or wax-like substance of creamy to yellow-brown color. Dissolves well in warm alcohols and liquid hydrocarbons. Practically does not dissolve in cold water, in warm forms a dispersion. E 491 is obtained by direct esterification of sorbitol with stearic acid and simultaneous formation of anhydrides. In the formation of the basic substance are admissible impurities: free sorbitan, free fatty acids and their salts.

The supplement can be obtained by genetic modification or derived from products of animal origin.

Use

E 491 is used as an emulsifier in the production of beverages, sauces, butter dough products up to 5 g / kg; ice cream and liquid concentrates for tea - up to 5 g / l. In some countries it is used as a consistency stabilizer, thickener, texturizer, binding agent in liquid concentrations for tea, in fruit and herbal decoctions - up to 500 mg / kg. In the preparation of milk and cream substitutes, confectionery, chewing gum, glazes and fillings, the recommended amount is up to 5 g / kg.

Sorbitan monostearate is also added in dietary supplements, in food colors.

Outside the food industry, E 491 is used in the manufacture of medicines, cosmetics (creams, lotions, deodorants), in the production of emulsions for the treatment of plants.

Impact on humans

The permissible daily amount of the supplement is 25 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The substance is slowly broken down in the intestines by sorbitol and stearic acid, which are completely broken down and absorbed by the body.

E 491 is considered to be a low-hazard substance with regard to its effects on human health. It is not dangerous if it gets on the skin or the gastric mucosa (it has a slightly irritating effect). The ability to accumulate is very weak, mutagenic activity is not detected.

Excessive use of the substance can lead to fibrosis, growth retardation and enlargement of the liver.

E491 - Sorbitan Monostearate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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