Magnesium carbonate (E504)

Magnesium carbonate belongs to the camp of emulsifiers. It is marked on the labels with the marking E504. Its main duty is to have a positive impact on the shelf life of the finished food product.

Despite the fact that there are quite a few different components with an identical spectrum of action, not all of them are able to boast at least relative safety in relation to the consumer’s body. The emulsifier shown is a permitted ingredient that has been verified by the relevant authorities for latent threats to consumers.

Chemical properties

Usually the formula means nothing to the average person, as well as its physical characteristics, which are a powdery consistency. Instead, people are interested in whether this element is harmful to health with its constant use. But if the dietary supplement is still approved for use in its native country, then this indicates the absence of serious suspicions on the part of doctors regarding its alleged harm.

Magnesium carbonate does not have any specific aromas or aftertaste, so you can recognize its presence in food only by reading the composition on the product packaging.

In addition to the fact that E504 helps to prolong the shelf life of the product ready for sale, its reactions make it possible to guarantee the consolidation of the consistency required by the manufacturer. This is explained by the fact that the emulsifier acts as such a binding agent.

Its main task is the ability to combine those components that, while maintaining natural conditions, could not be mixed. And if nevertheless it succeeded, then it would not be possible to call the resulting mixture a homogeneous mass, even with a strong desire.

Manufacturers resort to the help of such a substance, if necessary, to bind together fats and water, as well as oil and water. In nature, this cannot be achieved. After the food industry took a long step forward in this matter, the ability to connect the unconnectable interested representatives of the pharmacological sphere.

Despite the fact that for mass use carbonate is obtained in the laboratory using synthetic materials, it will also be possible to meet it in wildlife. We are talking about an organically active substance that can be detected when studying the characteristics of magnesite.

But in order to get a greater yield, as well as save time, the experts took a short cut. To obtain an emulsifier in sufficient quantity, it is required to carry out the procedure of precipitation of soda ash with the involvement of a solution of magnesium sulfates.

Where to look for a supplement?

Most often, the mention of E504 is found on the packaging of confectionery. It can be:

  • chocolates;
  • desserts with cocoa;
  • jam;
  • jam and marmalade;
  • confiture;
  • canned fruits and ready-made compote;
  • cream and cheeses;
  • other sweets.

Since the dietary supplement is on the list of officially approved, some believe that it is possible to consume products with its inclusion in unlimited quantities. In practice, doctors advise adhering to the daily dosage. It is usually calculated based on the consumer’s chronic health conditions, age, and weight.

If you cross the line, then you can seriously harm not only the cardiovascular system, but also get a negative response from the nervous system.

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