Contents
It is a viscous polysaccharide that is very beneficial to human health. Acid is often also called “algal”, thus revealing its origin.
Alginic acid is naturally found in green, brown and red algae. Alginic acid is widely used in the food industry, medicine, pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.
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The people of Japan are the leaders in the consumption of algae. The total amount of marine vegetation they consume is more than 20 species! The kombu group of seaweed is used for Japanese kashi broth, wakame for soups, hijiki for tofu and rice; nori – for sushi, rice balls, cakes and noodles.
Alginic acid rich foods:
General characteristics of alginic acid
Today, alginic acid is produced industrially from Japanese kelp. The peculiarity of alginic acid is that it adsorbs water very well, that is, one part of the acid can absorb up to 300 parts of water.
Alginic acid is designated E400 on food labels, and agar agar can be found under the number E406.
Alginates (i.e. salts of alginic acid) on the packaging of our products are designated as additives E401, E402, E404, and are also widely used in industry, medicine and cosmetology.
Alginic acid in the food industry is used as a thickener for desserts, sauces, ice cream, imitation of red caviar. In baked goods, alginic acid retains moisture.
Alginic acid daily requirement
Alginic acid, once in the human body, performs many different functions, but at the same time it is absorbed by the body. Therefore, we can say that a person does not have a daily need for this substance.
The need for alginic acid decreases with:
- beriberi (inhibits the absorption of certain nutrients);
- oncological diseases;
- pregnancy;
- tendency to digestive disorders;
- disruption of the liver;
- allergic reactions to this substance;
- disruption of the thyroid gland.
The need for alginic acid increases:
- in immunodeficiencies;
- atherosclerosis;
- increased levels of heavy metals in the body;
- excessive exposure to the body;
- problem skin;
- loss of tone;
- dermatosis;
- rosacea;
- hyperpigmentation;
- cellulite;
- intoxication of the body;
- diseases of the heart or blood vessels.
Digestibility of alginic acid
The body does not absorb either the substance itself or alginate derivatives. Without causing any harm, they are simply excreted from the body, mainly through the intestines.
Useful properties of alginic acid and its effect on the body
Alginic acid and its derivatives are widely used in medicine. Its ability to swell in water and create gels is indispensable in the production of drugs.
In the production of medicines, such gels are used as disintegrants, due to which they are absorbed in the body much faster and more efficiently.
Today, more than 20% of medicines contain alginic acid. It is also indispensable in the production of capsules.
The substance is used for the selective solubility of medications (for example, if the tablet must enter the intestine). In dentistry, alginates are used to make impressions for the manufacture of prostheses.
The main properties of alginic acid:
- stimulates phagocytosis, thereby increasing the antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal activity of cells;
- binds excess immunoglobulins E, due to which allergies develop, etc .;
- promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulins A (antibodies), which increases the body’s resistance to microbes;
- anticoagulant;
- antioxidant;
- lowers blood pressure;
- reduces the level of bad cholesterol;
- helps to reduce spasms;
- removes harmful radionuclides and heavy metals;
- weakens the intoxication of the body.
Interaction with other elements:
Alginic acid is insoluble in water and practically in all organic solvents. At the same time, it has very good absorbency: it can absorb water in a ratio of 1/300.
Derivatives of alginic acid – alginates, behave in a completely different way when interacting with other substances. Therefore, they are used to create solutions and stabilizers (in the food industry or pharmaceuticals).
Scientists speculate that alginic acid impairs the absorption of certain vitamins. Scientific research is currently underway in this direction.
Signs of excess alginic acid in the body:
- nausea;
- indigestion;
- allergic reactions (itching, redness of the skin).
Factors affecting the amount of alginic acid in the body
Alginic acid is not produced in the body; it can enter our body only with food, dietary supplements or medicines.
Alginic acid for beauty and health
In cosmetology, alginate masks are becoming very popular. Their properties allow you to take care of any type of skin and restore it.
Such masks do not violate the skin relief, since they do not need to be washed off or peeled off – they are removed in a single layer. They are used not only for the face, but also in the fight against cellulite, as well as to detoxify the body.