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Propylene glycol alginate (PGC) E405 is an additive used primarily as a thickener in certain foods. While propylene glycol alginate E405 is considered safe, some are convinced that it has potentially harmful health effects.
What is propylene glycol alginate E405
Propylene glycol alginate E405 is an alginic acid ester originally derived from brown algae. This product appears as a white or slightly yellowish powdery substance. The additive is used as a thickening and emulsifying agent, and is acid-resistant and soluble in water and acid. Propylene glycol alginate E405 is used in dairy products, salad dressings, fruits, lactic acid drinks, beer and instant food.
Propylene glycol alginate is processed from alginate by esterification. Compared with alginate, it has more advantages and a unique application in the food industry.
There are the following names of additives: E405, Propylene glycol alginate.
Benefits of Using Propylene Glycol Alginate in Yogurt
This food additive is actively used in the production of yoghurts. Among the main advantages worth noting: propylene glycol alginate helps to give yogurt a natural texture; the additive can make the appearance of yogurt smooth and glossy; the additive is fully miscible with all other ingredients and can be used during fermentation in any pH range. In addition, under the condition of gentle mixing, PGA can be easily and well distributed in yogurt; Propylene glycol alginate can not only act as a stabilizing agent in yogurt, but also provide emulsification. It also helps make the yogurt complex, soft, and delicious.
Use of propylene glycol alginate
In the food industry, E405 acts as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in yogurt and ice cream, which makes the surface of the product smooth without inclusions. It acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier in dairy products such as cheese, making the product fluffier.
Propylene glycol alginate is used in food products such as jellies and jams, ice cream and salad dressing. Dietary supplement propylene glycol is generally considered safe (not to be confused with ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic if ingested). Since propylene glycol alginate contains a minimal amount of gluten, it is widely used in gluten-free foods to provide a firmer texture for salad dressings and fast food. What’s more, E405 can be used as a beer foam stabilizer to improve bubble performance in a brewery.
It should be noted that E405 is actively used in cosmetology as a viscous stabilization material. The substance is added to nourishing, moisturizing and anti-aging creams; shampoos (in particular, with natural extracts and components), shower gels, natural hair dyes. E405 very rarely causes allergic reactions.
In pharmacology, the additive is used in the production of capsules. Also, E405 can be found in the composition of a contrast agent for x-rays of internal organs (stabilizes the structure of the jelly).
Propylene glycol alginate is approved for industrial use almost everywhere. Today there is no information about the situation in Belarus.
Side effects
Propylene Glycol Dietary Supplement is metabolized in the body and used as a normal carbohydrate source. Using large amounts of propylene glycol alginate may cause irritation, nausea, coughing and wheezing. It is important to remember that newborns, children, pregnant women should always consult a doctor before using products containing E405. Long-term use of propylene glycol (up to five percent of total food intake) is safe and does not cause toxicity.
Recommended dosage
Ingestion of the supplement in large quantities can be harmful to health, it is important to follow the recommendations for the use of propylene glycol alginate: ADI 0-25 mg/kg body weight.
Supplement packaging
There are no standards for packaging for the E405 additive. Most commonly found in cardboard drums, it is sometimes stored in aluminum barrels or food bags. In order to protect the additive from interaction with moisture, it is first packaged in a liner bag made of dense polyethylene.
Main producers
In Russia, this food supplement is not produced.
Of the main manufacturers, it is worth noting: Foodchem, Shandong Jiajing Group Corp, Hugestone Enterprise Co., Ltd – China; BASF AG and Merck – Germany.