Contents
Glycerol and lactic and fatty acid esters are a widely used food additive and are labeled in the European classifier of additives with the mark E472b. This natural-synthetic additive is considered absolutely safe to eat in many countries of the world community, and therefore is allowed for use in the food industry. What is the substance under the code number E472b? What are the positive and negative effects of its use? Let’s try to figure it out in the article below.
The main characteristics, appearance and properties of the additive E472b
Such a dietary supplement can be seen under other names: lactic ester of mono- and diglycerides, lactoglycerides, lactylated mono- and diglycerides, Esters lactic and fatty acid of glycerol, LACTEM. In the French it is called esters lactiques et d’acides gras de glycerine, in Germany it is called Milchsaureester der Mono- und Diglyceride.
This substance belongs to the class of surfactants and is a prominent representative of food emulsifiers. It shows itself very well in compounds with various esters and acids.
In fact, this food supplement is an ester of glycerol with a breakdown product of glucose – lactic acid, as well as fatty carboxylic acids, which are synthetically isolated from fats of animal and vegetable origin.
Such a substance is obtained as a result of the chemical interaction of various natural components. By esterification of various monoglycerides with lactic acid, it is possible to achieve such properties of the substance that will increase the activity of molecules at the boundary of three phases. This is especially true for the gas phase. The obtained properties make it possible to use E472b to facilitate the foaming process when whipping three-phase systems.
In appearance, such an additive is a waxy mass or a transparent oily thick liquid of white color with a slight yellowness. The precipitate in such a substance is completely absent. It consists of lactylated complex monoglycerides, including lactic acid as impurities.
This substance dissolves well in oily liquids, emulsifies in hot water, while it is absolutely insoluble in cold water. It has a slightly bitter taste.
Leading product manufacturers
To date, the leading foreign suppliers of this food additive are:
- Fine Organic Industries Pvt. Ltd registered in India;
- Riken Vitamin – representative of the Land of the Rising Sun;
- DuPont Nutrition Biosciences ApS Corporation, based in Denmark;
- European company BASF from Germany.
This substance enters the world market in the following packaging:
- plastic cans or barrels;
- cardboard drums with an additional polyethylene liner;
- aluminum barrels;
- multi-layer bags made of kraft paper laminated from the inside or pre-packed in polyethylene.
The use of ester of glycerol and lactic and fatty acids
Of course, this substance is most common in the food industry. This additive differs from other esters of glycerol, marked with the E472 mark, by its high emulsifying properties, which facilitate the whipping of various masses.
Such components are included in the composition of various products to improve their organoleptics and facilitate the production process. They can be found in:
- ice cream, vegetable whipping cream, various creams, where it significantly improves foaming, serves to uniformly mix the ingredients and helps stabilize the crystallization process;
- flour confectionery, cakes, pastries, in which it helps to improve the aeration of the masses during whipping, favors a better rise in the dough during baking, improves the plasticity of the finished product and prevents the appearance of dips;
- cooking oils, margarine, which ensures the uniformity of the texture of the product, is a protection against rancidity and delamination, and also significantly increases elasticity.
However, it should be borne in mind that under the influence of water this additive decomposes into simpler substances, therefore it is applicable only in powder products or fats.
This substance is also used in the cosmetic industry. It is found in various skin care products. They provide:
- gentle cleansing and whitening of the skin;
- prevention of early aging;
- normalization of the sebaceous glands, which is achieved by narrowing the pores;
- removal of inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Such an emulsifier is used only in those products that are prepared immediately before use: in Japanese acid wash powder, in foam masks and other similar products. This is again due to the fact that such a substance is highly susceptible to hydrolysis.
Glycerol and lactic and fatty acid esters are approved supplements throughout the global community.
Dangerous and beneficial properties of the substance
In foods, this substance breaks down into lactic acid and monoglycerides. Such a reaction is strongly noticeable in bakery products, since there this process is enhanced by the action of enzymes.
Therefore, in the body, the E472b supplement decomposes very quickly and is well absorbed, due to the fact that it comes already in a hydrolyzed form or decomposes under the influence of gastric juice.
This supplement has been awarded the GRAS status, which means it is safe for health. However, it is also not worth talking about any benefit of such a substance. The only thing that can be distinguished is its beneficial effect on the skin, due to which it has found wide application in cosmetology. The maximum allowable daily allowance of the emulsifier is not regulated.
Summing up
Glycerol and lactic and fatty acid esters, marked on the products in which they are contained, with the E472b icon, are a popular food additive that has been used to make various food products for over a hundred years. It has established itself as an absolutely harmless and safe substance for human health. Sometimes in various sources you can find a mention that they have carcinogenic properties, but these accusations are absolutely unsubstantiated. This nutritional supplement has been fully studied and does not cause any negative consequences when used.