Content
Food additive E509 is a by-product that forms during the production of soda. Calcium chloride is used in the food industry as an emulsifier. In the countries of the European Union, the substance is considered safe, it is allowed to use it in the manufacture of products and medicines. In Russia, the use of an emulsifier is regulated by accepted standards.
What kind of additive is E509
Calcium chloride, known as the E509 emulsifier, is in the form of crystals, flakes, granules, lumps. Its color ranges from transparent to white. The crystals have a mild odor; the taste can be bitter or salty. The food additive is highly soluble in water and ethanol. On contact with air, it melts due to its high hygroscopicity.
Chemical formula - CaCl2.
In accordance with the international classification, the food additive is an emulsifier. But it is used not only to create homogeneous emulsions from products that do not mix. Most often, E509 is used as a hardener. A food additive is also used as a thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer and acidity regulator in finished products.
When using it, it is possible to achieve a thickening of the product, an increase in its amount. This effect is due to the fact that calcium ions bind proteins.
The substance melts at 772 ° C and boils at 1935 ° C.
What is the food additive E509 made of?
The preservative is obtained at enterprises that produce soda. In the manufacture of sodium carbonate by the ammonia method (by means of ammonia recovery), a solution of calcium hydrochloric acid is formed. Crystals or granules are obtained by evaporation of liquid.
The technical additive can be obtained by heating bleach. Also, to isolate the specified substance, an aqueous suspension of slaked lime is treated with hydrochloric acid.
The benefits and harms of calcium chloride
Through numerous studies, the positive effect of calcium chloride on the body has been proven. This substance:
- activates the work of immune forces, due to which resistance to infections increases;
- increases the elasticity of the vascular walls;
- restores the balance of essential minerals;
- has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart;
- participates in metabolic processes and hematopoiesis.
The food supplement is considered one of the best sources of calcium. This substance is involved in the process of muscle contraction and the transfer of nerve impulses. It improves the formation of bone tissue. The additive has a positive effect on the process of blood formation and coagulation.
In combination with vitamin D CaCl2 is recommended for people who suffer from osteoporosis. It is also advised to include it in the diet of children during the period of active growth and the elderly in order to reduce the intensity of the leaching of minerals from the bones. E509 food additives are recommended for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
In case of overdose, complications may appear.The first sign of excess preservative intake in the body is the appearance of a feeling of heat spreading through the body. At the same time, a person may experience stomach pain, heartburn, arrhythmia. With frequent excess of the daily intake, symptoms of irritation of the digestive system appear. Some may develop ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dangerous or not food additive E509
Despite its synthetic origin, the E509 emulsifier is classified as a safe substance. According to international standards, it is assigned a low hazard class. The additive can be safely used in food production.
The recommended daily dose of CaCl2 is 350 mg. If the specified amount is exceeded, complications may develop. In case of overdose, the preservative becomes dangerous.
Where and why is calcium chloride added?
E509 additive is used in food, chemical, pharmacological industries. It is also used in gas production, in the production of glue, in the road sector. It is necessary for the production of products from natural rubber, latex. The additive is also used in cosmetology as one of the ingredients of chemical peeling.
In the food industry, E509 is used in the process of canning fruits and vegetables. The substance prevents the process of softening products during heat treatment or during long-term storage. Elastic peaches or crispy cucumbers are obtained not due to a special manufacturing technology, but due to the addition of a preservative.
The E509 food additive is actively used in the manufacture of cheeses. It is added to milk to accelerate clotting, to obtain a dense, high quality clot. The use of CaCl2 increases the yield of finished products.
Add E509 to the cream. Thanks to its use, they thicken faster. The use of a food preservative during the separation of the creamy mass from the milk helps to reduce its acidity. Therefore, the additive is essential when making the oil.
Contains calcium chloride in cottage cheese. It is added industrially as a hardener and thickener. It compensates for the loss of mineral elements that are inevitable during milk pasteurization.
Food preservative E509 is a part of dry puree, milk, potato grits. It is included in these products as a bulking agent. The food additive improves the process of dissolving dry matter in water. It prevents lumps from forming.
CaCl2 helps to stabilize the jelly-like structure of marmalade, jelly candies. In confectionery products, the food additive prevents them from hardening.
In rare cases, E509 is used in brewing. With the help of a preservative, it is possible to eliminate the imperfections of the water used to make beer. It regulates the pH level.
In medicine, calcium chloride is used for a number of diseases. Doctors may prescribe hot intravenous injections for patients with hypocalcemia or hypochloremia. Injections are recommended for blood loss due to uterine, intense nosebleeds. They have a positive effect on the condition of patients with nephritis, hepatitis, allergic reactions, skin diseases.
The supplement is known for its ability to remove toxins from the body. It is used as an antidote for poisoning with salts and acids of magnesium and fluoride. The substance has antiseptic properties. The solution is used for washing mucous membranes and treating wounds.
Conclusion
Food additive E509 belongs to safe preservatives that can be used in the manufacture of products. It is included in the list of approved substances in many countries of the world. But calcium chloride is used not only in the food industry. The substance is used in cosmetology, medicine and other industries.
