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Silver (Silver, Argentum, Ag, E174).
Silver is a chemical element with atomic number 47 in the periodic table, a malleable, ductile metal of white color. E174 is a food additive used as a dye and disinfectant.
General Characteristics of E174 Silver
Silver is a white plastic metal that can look like silver powder or thin plates with a metallic sheen. It has no taste and smell, very malleable metal with a high degree of thermal and electrical conductivity. It does not react with dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids (calorizator). Natural sources of silver are mineral deposits of the earth’s crust, for example, clay shales. For the production of food coloring E174, silver of the highest purity, without impurities, is used. The human body receives Silver in very small amounts from food and water.
The benefits and harms of Silver E174
Silver, due to its disinfecting properties, is necessary to increase immunity and resistance to viral diseases. In small quantities, entering the body, it stops the growth of almost all pathogenic bacteria.
An excess of silver can cause argyria, the symptoms of which are disorders of the kidneys and digestive tract, headaches and nervous system disorders.
Application of Silver E174
As a food dye E174, Silver is mainly used for the decoration of confectionery products, for example, wedding cakes. Adds shine and a silvery hue. It is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. In addition to the food industry, Silver is used for water disinfection, in the production of mirrors, jewelry, and in electrical engineering.
Use of E174 Silver
The use of food coloring E174 is allowed throughout our country. The permissible amount of silver ions in the body is considered to be the norm of no more than 7 mg per day. The permissible standards are spelled out by the EU Directive 94/36 as QS.