E495 - Sorbitan Monopalmitate
Author: Karen Lennox
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: Sorbitan mono palmitate is an oily waxy substance or powder with a creamy to yellowish-brown color and a faint odor. Well soluble in warm alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, c
Characteristic
Sorbitan mono palmitate is an oily waxy substance or powder with a creamy to yellowish-brown color and a faint odor. It dissolves well in warm alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, in warm water it forms a dispersed solution, in cold - it does not dissolve practically.
The food additive E 495 is obtained in a synthetic way by the interaction of palmitic acid and sorbitol, sorbitol anhydrides are formed at the same time. Minimum amounts of impurities such as free sorbitans, free fatty acids and their salts are permissible in pure sorbitan mono palmitate.
Use
E 495 is used as a stabilizer, texturizer, thickener, binder in the preparation of concentrates for soft drinks (tea, fruit decoctions); milk substitutes, semi-finished confectionery, chewing gum, sauces, fillings and glazes; also for fat emulsions, bakery and pasta products, bread yeast and biologically active additives. Along with other sorbitans, it is used in food coloring. Outside the food industry, sorbitan mono palmitate is used in cosmetics (creams and lotions) as a dispersing agent and viscosity modifier. The additive is also used in the production of medicines and waterproof fabric dyes.
Impact on humans
The permissible daily amount of E 495 is 25 mg / kg body weight. In the human body, sorbitan mono palmitate breaks down into sorbitol and lauric acid, which in turn are completely absorbed. If this maximum dose is exceeded, metabolism may be impaired (calcium absorption may be impaired) and indigestion may occur.
In some countries (eg Russia) the substance is not authorized for use in the food industry. Elsewhere (such as Germany and Australia), the additive is banned because it has not passed the relevant laboratory tests.