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Sodium gluconate (Sodium gluconate, E576)
Sodium gluconate is a chemical that is included in the list of food additives, belongs to the group of emulsifiers. According to the international classification, Sodium Gluconate is assigned the code E576, under this label it can most often be found on food labels.
General characteristics and receipt of E576
Sodium gluconate is a salt of sodium and gluconic acid, which, when interacting with alkalis, forms sodium gluconate and releases impurities of carbonates. Sodium gluconate is a clear crystal or powder, colorless and odorless (calorizator). The substance is highly soluble in water and other liquids, with the exception of alcohol and its derivatives.
Purpose of Sodium Gluconate
E576 is considered a complex-forming food additive, it is a taste enhancer that affects the sensitivity of the taste buds of the tongue, thereby enhancing the taste sensations. It has the property of binding excess iron, calcium and heavy metal ions, which is used in the brewing industry to remove pathogens remaining on the walls of bottles.
Benefits and harms of E576
Officially, Sodium gluconate is considered a food supplement that does not harm human health. But, given the chemical origin of E576, you should not eat products containing sodium gluconate in excessive amounts. With an overdose of the substance, the body will react with a headache, redness of the face, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and profuse sweating, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat may appear.
Application of Sodium Gluconate
The food additive E576 is used in most cases as a complexing agent. It allows you to create a homogeneous mixture of substances that are not mixed in nature, forming chelate bonds with them. Sodium gluconate is used not only in the food industry, the areas of its application are:
- metallurgy,
- production of detergents,
- textile industry,
- production of concrete and cement.
Use of E576
On the territory of our country, the food additive E576 Sodium Gluconate is allowed for use.