Glycerol and citric acid and fatty acid esters or E472c is a food additive that is actively used today in the food industry and cosmetology. It belongs to the category of emulsifiers, thickeners and stabilizers, which are among the most commonly used types of food additives.
Their main task is to create homogeneous emulsions from products that do not mix, as well as to improve the consistency of products and maintain their viscosities. They help to make food more attractive and have a great influence on the structure of the food itself, maintaining its quality and freshness.
General characteristics
E472c – is an ester of synthetic fats derived from natural fatty acids, citric organic acid and glycerin. Fatty acids are mainly used of vegetable origin, but there may also be fats of animal origin, not excluding pork. Thus, some groups of people, namely vegetarians, Muslims or Jews, avoid these foods.
The origin of fatty acids can only be obtained from the manufacturer. Both animal and vegetable fatty acids are identical in their chemical structure. The product is usually a mixture of different components, with a composition similar to partially digested natural fat, which is esterified with other natural acids.
This emulsifier has a waxy or oily consistency. Those with a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids are oily, while those with more saturated fatty acids tend to be more solid. They are white, cream, sometimes light yellow or brown with a neutral or slightly acidic odor.
Dietary supplement usually dispersible in hot water, soluble in oils and fats, but insoluble in cold water and ethanol.
It also has low thermal stability, is prone to acyl rearrangement, and can be easily hydrolyzed. This emulsifier is stored only in a non-humid, cool, well-ventilated room with low air temperature.
Process engineers do not need to rule out the fact that products that contain E472c and water, or exhibit a low pH value, cannot be stored at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.
Use of food emulsifier
E472c is used in the food industry as emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners and as synergists with antioxidants.
Scope of their application:
- stabilizer in vegetable oils and margarines;
- emulsifier and stabilizer in mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces;
- in sausages, for a better meat emulsion;
- used to increase the water content in low-calorie foods (reducing the oil content in the dough);
- improving the quality of the test;
- to control the viscosity of confectionery products;
- improving the consistency of desserts, ice cream, coffee creamers.
The additive can be found in non-emulsified vegetable and animal oils and fats, in dietary products, in infant formula and milk, and in other products intended for children from birth. Also, this emulsifier reduces the risk of mold, prolongs the viability of yeast cells and is used in flavorings to preserve flavor.
In addition to the food industry, this ingredient is also present in the production of cosmetic products. For example, it is actively used in lotions, gels, creams, lipsticks to improve shine and consistency, ensuring the smoothness of its application. E472c – a mixing component in cellophane food wrap, can be part of dyes and fat-soluble antioxidants.
Influence on the body
Despite the fact that at present, scientists and doctors are actively investigating the positive or negative effects of food additives, however, we can say that the E472c food emulsifier gives every reason to classify this stabilizer as a safe and non-toxic substance.
Once in the human body, the ingredients of this food supplement are first digested into separate acids and fats, later they are broken down and completely absorbed, since they are almost identical to normal acids and natural fat in terms of biochemical composition.
It does not cause allergies, and in direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes of a person does not cause irritation. Therefore, the additive was assigned the GRAS status.
This is the American name for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which states that chemicals or substances added to food are considered safe by experts and are therefore exempt from the regular Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Although, there is anecdotal evidence that, as a result of recent studies, scientists have come to a certain conclusion. If a person abuses meat and sausage products, which in turn contain the E472c emulsifier, this can lead to a deterioration in human health. Especially in those who suffer from diseases with metabolic disorders, including obesity. But there is no evidence that other substances and additives that are part of these products cannot cause violations on the part of human systems and organs.
Esters of citric acid and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids or E472c are allowed in almost all countries, including the United States of America, Japan and EU countries. Today it is widely used in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifier or stabilizer, and is absolutely harmless to the general well-being and human health.