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Increasingly, manufacturers began to add emulsifiers to the yeast-free dough. An excellent substitute for soda is the food supplement E503. But when studying the composition of some people, it is intimidating. They believe that this component is dangerous to the body.
What is the additive E503
Nutritionists are increasingly talking about the fact that flour products harm the functioning of internal organs. They explain their opinion by the fact that the composition of such products includes harmful substances in the form of food additives.
Additive E503 is understood to mean a compound that consists of ammonium salts of acetic acid.
In industry, the substance has other names:
- ammonium carbonate;
- ammonium carbonate;
- ammonium carbonate;
- ammonia;
- food grade ammonium.
If we talk about the appearance of the food additive, it consists of colorless crystals. There is a characteristic smell of ammonia. Dissolves quickly in water. The substance is subject to hydrolysis. When it comes into contact with air, it begins to turn into ammonium bicarbonate, which is prohibited from use in the food industry. Therefore, the substance must be stored correctly.
What is ammonium carbonate made of (E503)
The food additive is classified as a stabilizer. It is used as a baking powder and acidity regulator. Consists of ammonium salts of carbonic acid.
The industry uses several methods for obtaining a substance. It all depends on the scope. But most often only one recognized technique is used.
To obtain an additive for use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, it is necessary to combine hydrogen nitride and carbon dioxide. The reaction takes place under the influence of water vapor. After the material is obtained, it is cooled and dried.
The benefits and harms of ammonium carbonate
There are still various disputes about the benefits and dangers of the food additive E503ii. Manufacturers believe that when used correctly, the stabilizer does not harm the body.
Nutritionists prohibit eating foods that contain ammonium salts. They claim that the food additive is highly toxic. But this question remains open, because there are no confirmed facts.
Harm to the body is observed only when the emulsifier is used in its primary form, that is, in the form of a powder. Then a serious allergic reaction and severe poisoning may develop.
During the production of products, hazardous substances undergo decomposition, which means they become harmless.
Dangerous or not food additive E503
The emulsifier is recognized as a safe substance, therefore it is approved for use in many countries. Subject to the rules of use, the food additive does not harm the body.
But carbonate compounds can be dangerous because they release ammonia. This can lead to side symptoms in the form of:
- rashes on the skin;
- redness;
- itching;
- Quincke's edema;
- anaphylactic shock;
- severe abdominal pain;
- nausea and vomiting.
In more severe cases, the person may lose consciousness. But such a case is extremely rare. During food production, high temperatures are used, resulting in the decomposition of E503.
Where and why is the food additive E503 added?
Under ammonium carbonate it is customary to understand a compound that consists of ammonium salts of acetic acid. The peculiarity of the food additive is that it can react and turn into carbon dioxide.
Often used in the food industry. The substance is added in the preparation of bakery products. The emulsifier is a good substitute for yeast and soda. Empty cavities are formed inside, due to which the product acquires splendor and retains freshness for a long time.
With the help of ammonium carbonate they do:
- cakes;
- buns;
- pies;
- biscuit;
- gingerbread.
The stabilizer E503 is also used in the pharmacological field. From a food additive, ammonia is made, an antidote for snake bites. The component can be found in some cough syrups.
The stabilizer has found application in the manufacture of cosmetics. It is added to hair dyes. Therefore, during the procedure, a pungent smell is felt. The substance is needed so that the product is better absorbed into the hair and keeps the color longer.
E503 is also found in fertilizers. The root system is saturated. At high temperatures, carbon dioxide is formed, which plants breathe. This is beneficial for their growth and appearance.
Ammonium carbonate is one of the main ingredients in fire extinguishers.
The food additive belongs to auxiliary components and is used as:
- baking powder - helps to speed up the baking process, adds pomp and volume;
- emulsifier - makes the mixture more homogeneous, allows you to mix incompatible components with each other;
- acidity regulator - used in the production of wines, accelerates the fermentation process.
But it is worth remembering that ammonium carbonate cannot be used simultaneously with soda and yeast. This will lead to backlash. The product will become outwardly ugly and lose its taste.
Conclusion
Food supplement E503 is considered one of the safest substances. The stabilizer is actively used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. But there is no harm from the use only if all the conditions for cooking and storing the additive are met.
