Calcium sulfite, aka E226, is a synthetic food preservative with antioxidant properties used by food manufacturers around the world. This substance eliminates bacteria, mold and fungi from food, thereby significantly extending the shelf life of the product. For manufacturers and distributors of food products, this is certainly a plus. And what about us consumers: is this additive dangerous for human health?
a brief description of
The substance calcium sulfite is known to chemists as the calcium salt of sulfuric acid. It is a white crystalline powder with a characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide, poorly soluble in water and in good contact with ethanol. Entering into a chemical reaction with oxygen, calcium sulfite turns into calcium sulfate (food additive E516, used as an emulsifier), and in an acidic environment – into another well-known preservative – sulfur dioxide (E220).
Calcium sulfite as a dietary supplement is approved by many European Union countries. In the EU, it is used as an antimicrobial synthetic preservative and also in sugar production (as a bleaching agent). But there are also a number of countries where this food supplement has been banned. In particular, in Australia, the USA, Canada, Ukraine and some other states, E226 is illegal. In general, calcium sulfite is classified as an additive with a medium level of danger.
In addition to the food industry, the antimicrobial properties of calcium sulfite are used in other industries. In particular, E226 is used as a conventional disinfectant.
Hazardous Properties and Warnings
The liver is responsible for the metabolism of calcium sulfite in our bodies. It is this organ that first “gets” from the preservative. But at the same time, it is the liver that makes sure that these substances are broken down as quickly as possible into harmless sulfates, which are then excreted from the body along with urine.
Speaking about the direct effect of this chemical compound on the human body, it cannot be said that E226 has any beneficial effect. But the “dark side” of the supplement has been studied quite well.
Calcium sulfite belongs to those chemicals that should not enter the human body in unlimited portions. The maximum allowable dosage of the substance is 0,7 mg per kilogram of body weight. Like other salts of sulfuric acid, calcium sulfite has a significant drawback. As a result of the oxidative effect of E226, the amount of vitamins in the product decreases. In other words, excessive consumption of food containing E226 can cause hypovitaminosis. In addition, products with this additive are strictly prohibited for people suffering from asthma or allergies to sulfites. In addition to E226, such persons should exclude from their diet all food containing additives from the E221-E228 line.
The preservative based on calcium sulfite is a harmful substance for the kidneys and digestive organs.
What contains
This dietary supplement is commonly found in fruit juices, canned fruits and vegetables, ciders, some beers and wines. So, when canning, E226 allows not only to prevent the reproduction of pathogenic organisms, but also gives hardness to vegetables or fruits. Crispy pickled cucumbers, firm sauerkraut and dense canned fruits are all the merit of E226. This effect is achieved due to the presence of calcium in the chemical composition, which, in fact, strengthens plant fibers. The preservative is used in the production of marmalades, jelly, various jams, ice cream, dried fruits and some semi-finished products. In products made from potatoes, garlic and grated horseradish, E226 prevents browning. Also, this substance can be found in frozen seafood.
Food preservative E226 is exclusively of synthetic origin. Like most other substances from this group, “yeshka”, to put it mildly, is not the most beneficial for the body. The production of many products without this preservative would be impossible, but at the same time, it is important to choose your food wisely and not lean too heavily on products containing E226.