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The element is classified as a food additive, a full-fledged dye. Today it is moderately safe for health. The coded connection cipher in the international registry is E181. This is a natural compound that is a preservative. The agent improves the viscosity properties of the final product. It does not carry any danger (according to preliminary data).
Synonymous names of the international level: E181, Red rice, Food tannins.
Physical qualities
We are talking about an amorphous powdery element of a yellowish color. It has a finely dispersed friable structure. Perfectly soluble in all environments. Such elements have an astringent aftertaste. Colloidal solutions of the element are equipped with the most acidic reaction and incredible influence, activity.
According to the latest data, tannin compounds are divided into two subspecies depending on the source of receipt. There are condensed elements – the usual derivatives of flavanols, and hydrolyzable representatives – from esters. An amorphous compound obtained by a chemical method is completely odorless.
Sources of receipt
The element is rightfully considered natural. The vegetation of the world is extremely rich in it. Therefore, raw materials for this element are never scarce. After all, it is extracted from natural raw materials – bark, branches and leaves of spruce, chestnut, acacia. There is data on the use of cocoa and eucalyptus for these purposes.
Often, the compound can be obtained from tea bushes. These plants are especially famous for this element. Astringency and specific aftertaste of fruits and leaves is provided by this compound. The maximum concentration of the element is found in green teas.
Spheres of distribution
Tannins are the main colorants. E181 is also used for a specific astringent aftertaste, which is especially appreciated in the manufacture of a number of drinks. It is indispensable in baking and candy fillings. The unique taste of the element gives the final product more expressive properties and color.
The color characteristic plays the most important role. To do this, there is a practice of coloring products in more saturated colors. Thus, the demand and sale of goods increases sharply at times. An element with a similar role copes perfectly – it is boldly called one of the main pigments. Tannins have intense acidic properties. They are classified as phenolic groups. Tannin is also used in the processing of wines.
Other uses of the element:
- in textile production – with the help of the connection, tanning, pickling is carried out;
- for making ink.
Benefits in medicine
The unique qualities of the tannin element are successfully applied in pharmaceuticals – for the manufacture of medicines that stop bleeding. From it, drugs are synthesized for the treatment of hemorrhoids and fastening agents applicable for diarrhea.
The compound also exhibits healing properties when used for rinsing the mouth, throat, and larynx. It can be used for gastric lavage in case of poisoning with salts of heavy metals and alkaloids. It is indispensable for the treatment of wound and burn surfaces, cracks and bedsores.
It is important to remember that the compound has the ability to form unstable compounds with morphine, nicotine, cocaine elements. Reactions in this case can be very different and completely unpredictable.
The legislative framework
Additive E181 is approved for use in the food industry of the Russian Federation.
Also, the dye E181 is included in the list of additives allowed for use in food products in Ukraine, in a number of European countries.
Normative acts and other legislative framework in relation to this element have not been fully developed to date. So, there is still no information about the permissible concentrations, which definitely will not harm.
Influence on the body
The element is classified as conditionally safe coloring compounds. It’s all about its natural origin.
Tannin from the tea bush is especially valued and in demand. It is rightfully referred to as a uniquely useful supplement due to the presence of increased concentrations of vitamin P in it. Its role is invaluable. The element strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents their fragility and delamination. But in everything there should be a measure. The amount of E181 that enters the body with food should be minimal for people with hypersensitivity to such additional compounds.
Very sensitive people should use E-181 with caution. After all, it can provoke severe irritation of the kidneys and intestinal sections. Often there is pain in the liver and inhibition of vitamin metabolism.
With an excess of tannins in the body, their tannins significantly inhibit the absorption of mineral elements.
Due to the lack of a legislative basis, the dye is added in the amount in which the desired color is achieved. This often becomes the main factor in the development and exacerbation of various ailments. It is because of an excess of the compound in the body that anemia develops – iron deficiency, which disrupts blood oxygen saturation, weakens the heart muscle. This leads to a variety of violations and failures.
Useful sides
Green tea is the drink with the highest concentration of the element. With regular consumption, the healing qualities manifest themselves with maximum strength. Vessels and capillary network will be significantly strengthened. Healing qualities contribute to enhanced absorption of vitamin C. This will prevent various ailments.
Packaging, transportation of the substance
The finished compound immediately after synthesis is packed into hermetic structures. For this, special polyethylene bags are mainly used.
All bags after filling are sealed by hermetic methods.
The substance is delivered by any transport, but only in covered facilities. The element is non-toxic, completely safe for others. Store it in closed packages. It is extremely important to prevent moisture from entering, since the element is distinguished by its hygroscopicity.
Storage conditions
The final shelf life is determined by the characteristics of the commodity form of production. On average, this period ranges from several months to several years.
Emulsifying agents must be kept under conditions of dryness, protection from rays and prolonged exposure to heat.
The use of this type of connection is completely justified today. After all, it is almost impossible to imagine life without tannin. There are very few products that do not contain an additive under the condition E.
The use of such an element brings great benefits. The presence of agents simplifies manufacturing, reduces the cost of finished products at times, heals, saves people’s lives. These features far outweigh the potential harm of the element.