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Beta-Cyclodextrin is a food additive (E459), stabilizer and emulsifier that imparts viscosity to food products, maintains a uniform dispersion of immiscible substances and components. E459 can be found under various names: Beta-cyclodextrin (the accepted name of the emulsifier abroad), β-cyclodextrin, cyclomaltodextrin, cyclodextrin, Schrödinger crystalline dextrins and others. The additive is used in various spheres of life: from cosmetology, food industry and ending with medicine.
Substance type
Beta-Cyclodextrin is the strongest stabilizer, which is a natural cyclic carbohydrate. It consists of seven residual units of the simplest monosaccharide, D-glucopyranose.
It is obtained in the following way: starch is broken down by an organic compound called cyclodextrin transferase (synthesized in the cells of bacterial strains).
The main properties of the food additive
Beta-cyclodextrin is white and odorless. In appearance, the additive is similar to a fine crystalline powder. E459 is completely soluble in hot water and its average dissolution in cold water is observed. Insoluble in alcohols and essential oils.
If you taste the food additive, it is very sweet – this is another reason for its use in the preparation of confectionery. Beta-Cyclodextrin differs from other food additives and active substances in light and heat stability. At a temperature of more than 260 degrees Celsius, it begins to melt and the process of splitting (decomposition) is observed.
How is cyclodextrin packaged and stored?
When sold in large volumes, a food additive is packed in very dense polyethylene bags, hermetically sealed and placed in a container convenient for transportation (for example, bags for transporting products, winding overall drums, kraft bags with additional protective layers, durable metal barrels).
If a small amount of additive is needed, for example, for the manufacture of cosmetics, E459 is packed in double plastic or foil bags. They are airtight and have a clasp that holds the substance firmly in the bag and does not crumble after using the white sweet powder several times.
Application in the food industry
The food industry is constantly introducing new products, improving its technologies and production methods. β-cyclodextrin is the best stabilizer that increases the solubility of food products, resistant to oxidation.
It changes the taste, color and aroma of food. It is because of these universal properties that the nutritional supplement is used in many industries. The food is filled with the active substances of the additive, as a result of which the quality characteristics of food products and their functional use are increased.
In food production, E459 helps to solve certain technological problems. This supplement is found in the following products:
- bakery products (prevents drying of the finished product, increases the shelf life, improves the structure and value of food);
- chocolate (reduces the viscosity of the confectionery mass, improves the organoleptic properties of products, maintains a homogeneous structure of cocoa butter when melting chocolate);
- various wafers (reduces the hardening period of fat and oil fillings, slows down the oxidation process, prolongs the shelf life of products);
- chewing gums (improves palatability, absorbs fragrant aromas).
The maximum allowable amount of emulsifier in food should not be more than 1 gram per kilogram of product.
Application in other industries
E459, together with certain amino acids or proteins, is used in a healthy sports nutrition complex. The substance enhances the effect of biological additives in cocktails and healthy drinks, strengthens muscle tone and helps to restore the body after prolonged physical exertion.
The E459 stabilizer is the best solution to problems in cosmetology: it absorbs the unpleasant smell of sweat (it is included in the main composition of high-quality antiperspirants and deodorants), whitens and cleans teeth (it is one of the main components of toothpastes), moisturizes and protects the skin from wind and sun rays ( creams and balms).
Additive E459 is an integral part of creams, lotions for problematic skin types. It blocks the appearance of fat on the skin, relieves inflammation, cleanses pores from excessive blockage, and stabilizes the active substances in effective serums and oils.
Cyclomaltodextrin reduces greasiness of hair, gives it shine, shine, volume and silkiness, therefore it is included in modern shampoos, balms, gels and rinses.
The food additive is used in the production of medicines. The substance very easily overcomes cell membranes, thereby accelerating the movement of therapeutic components to the cells of the body.
The emulsifier in pharmaceuticals is used to increase the chemical activity of drugs, reduce the toxic effect of drugs; masks unpleasant odors and bitter taste, helps dissolve the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, protects vitamin complexes from decomposition under the influence of various factors, including sunlight.
Beta-cyclodextrin is legally included in a number of safe food additives in the Russian Federation, Canada, America, Australia, England, EU countries.
The benefits and harms of food additives for the human body
Beta-Cyclodextrin has been very well studied by scientists. Its benefit lies primarily in the fact that it is an effective conductor of biologically active components.
The additive is neutral in its properties, it is not absorbed into the walls of the digestive system, does not irritate and does not negatively affect the mucous membranes.
The emulsifier is considered safe, hypoallergenic and reduces inflammation on the skin.
The harm of E459 can be insignificant only if the allowable dose in food is exceeded. In this case, an allergic reaction or food poisoning may occur. An additive is also harmful in case of individual intolerance to its active substance.
Manufacturers
Beta-Cyclodextrin is mainly produced abroad. The most famous manufacturing companies are Chinese, British, Indian and German firms.
Studies are currently underway that will expand the scope of the food supplement. More recently, scientists have found that the stabilizer suppresses the etymology of pathogenic microflora.
This discovery is very valuable, because, thanks to the unique properties of E459, it is possible to replace most of the chemical preservatives that make up food and beverages with a safe additive that will bring only benefit to the body and no harm.
An emulsifier, stabilizer, food additive or simply Beta-Cyclodextrin is a find appreciated in many industries. It has special properties and characteristics, which makes life easier for people and brings exceptional benefits.