Contents
Ascorbyl palmitate is a food additive that is most often found under the name E304 and is an ester of ascorbic acid.
Characterization
Ascorbyl palmitate is a snow-white powder with a lemon flavor. E304 can most often be found in its natural form, less often in an artificially synthesized one. It is used in the food industry to prevent oxidation and the formation of a rancid taste in products, in other words, it acts as an antioxidant.
E304 is not banned from use in the food and non-food industry, although the benefits and harms of this food additive have not been fully determined, since it has not been fully investigated.
You can often find E304 in combination with E160 and E161
Ascorbic acid ester is one of the ascorbates used by the food industry as a food additive. The ascorbic acid ester is approved according to the European approval number E304. In the ingredients list of products, this supplement is advertised as fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate.
Application in the food industry
E304 is a compound obtained from the esterification of ascorbic acid and fatty acids such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. Unlike ascorbic acid, the ester does not dissolve in water, but only in fat, and it also has a low vitamin effect. The esterification of ascorbic acid with palmitic or stearic acid leads to the formation of ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate. Ascorbyl palmitate is predominantly used in the food industry. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, the ester is mainly used in fatty foods. In such products, this additive, in addition, enhances the action of other antioxidants. Ether is often used in combination with dietary alpha-tocopherol. E304 not only acts as an antioxidant, but can also serve as an emulsifier in food production.
Manufacture
Ascorbic acid and fatty acids are necessary for the production of esters. The selected fatty acids should contain particularly high amounts of stearic or palmitic acid. Animal fats can also be used to produce ascorbyl palmitate. However, as a rule, vegetable fats are used.
Applications
Ascorbic acid ester is approved for food in general. E304 should not be added to products that are not processed.
Ascorbyl palmitate is used, for example, for sausages, meat products, edible oils, mayonnaise, white bread and dry dairy products. E304 can also be used in infant formulas, but limitations should be taken into account – up to 10 mg / l. The additive is mainly used in foods containing a lot of fat. In addition, ascorbyl palmitates can be used to increase the content of vitamin C in food. If this supplement is applicable for this reason alone, it may be listed as vitamin C on the ingredient list. If the other effects of this supplement are in the foreground, E304 or Ascorbyl Palmitate will be listed on the package.
Ascorbyl palmitate is also used in animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Used in cosmetics
Ascorbyl palmitate is actively used in cosmetology for the production of age-related and sunscreen cosmetics, as well as creams and lotions.
E304 perfectly dissolves in fatty bases, which helps it to enter the skin cells and perform its functions to the maximum.
Among the main functions it is worth noting:
- stimulation of collagen production in the body;
- activation of the regenerating functions of the skin;
- slowing the aging process;
- UV protection.
Today there are no contraindications to the use of cosmetics with E304, but it is important to take into account its amount so as not to provoke an allergic reaction.
Impact on the body: harm and benefit
To date, it is impossible to clearly answer the question of the dangers and benefits of this additive, since there are not enough supporting facts. But when choosing products containing E304, it is worth considering the daily rate of this additive, which should not exceed 1,25 milligrams per 1 kilogram of human body weight.
The norm was not established by chance, since E304 is cleaved in the small intestine, and palmitic and ascorbic acids are obtained as a result. The body processes palmitic acid completely and removes it naturally, but ascorbic acid undergoes further cleavage, resulting in oxalic acid. It is she who in large volumes can provoke the formation of kidney stones, as well as disrupt the functioning of the genitourinary system as a whole.
The practice of using additives in cosmetology causes only positive feedback in the absence of an allergy to vitamin C.
Packaging
This nutritional supplement is first placed in tight plastic bags. The next stage is packing in polypropylene tight bags or paper multi-layer bags.
Foil laminated packaging is very popular among manufacturers, as it completely eliminates the contact of the additive with light and oxygen.
Main producers
The Russian company Nord (St. Petersburg) is engaged in a relatively small volume of production. Most often, enterprises add Chinese-made raw materials to their recipes.
Among the main manufacturers it is worth noting: Hubei Yuancheng Saichuang Technolodgy, Xi’an Miracle Biotechnology. The supplied products are of high quality, safety, usefulness for the body and all the necessary certificates of international level must be attached to it.
Законодательство
According to the legislation, the food additive E304 is allowed for use in almost all countries, subject to all dosing standards.