Contents
Rice bran wax (E908) is a food grade additive, glazing agent and anti-flaming agent category (helps create a smooth consistency and prevents foaming). E908 is an additive completely natural, without any chemical or synthetic inclusions. The substance is labeled “safe food additive”, but is not approved for use in all countries. This dietary supplement is approved for use in the USA, Ukraine and Russia. Under the ban – in the EU countries, Canada and Belarus. Wax can be found under the following names: rice bran wax (RBW) or rice bran wax (RWB), rice bran wax.
Full description of the additive
E908 has a crystal-like solid form, a pronounced fat aroma and a rich color range (from yellowish brown to light brown). The solid substance is in perfect contact with chloroform and does not dissolve at all in ordinary water.
Additive characteristic
The additive is obtained during the processing of bran from high-quality Oryza sativa rice grains. In other words, during the production of bran from whole grains of ordinary sowing rice, technologies are used: pressing, extraction and cooling.
As a result, high-quality bran and rice oil are obtained. It is the oil that is further refined and gradually turned into a state of wax.
This additive is ideally combined with all other types of waxes, fatty acids, vegetable glycerin and hydrocarbons. But it is worth noting that E908 is not compatible at all with emulsions based on water, since the additive is resistant to water and does not dissolve in it.
Rice bran wax dissolves in chloroform, melting point +82 degrees Celsius (no less). The supplement can be characterized as concentrated fatty acids. In the chemical composition of E908 there are ethers of myricyl alcohol, and esters of cyril alcohol. The chemical composition of the wax contains: tocotrienol, phytosterols, phospholipids, tocopherol, squalene.
Negative effect on the body
Today, there is no evidence that the supplement has a harmful effect on the body, and that the supplement should not be used in combination with products. Some scientists have put forward the hypothesis that with the abundant use of the supplement, the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases increases, but this is only an assumption without an evidence base.
With an overdose of E908, the following side effects may occur:
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- vomiting.
In order to prevent this, it is recommended that all purchased fruits and vegetables (since they are most likely processed with wax on top) be washed thoroughly, and under running and hot water.
E908 is a food supplement that is recommended to be completely excluded from your diet, then there will obviously be no harm to the health of the body.
Benefits of rice bran wax
In the food-type industry, the use of this additive in minimal quantities is allowed, and as a result, no harm to the body will be observed. There are no useful and nutritious substances in the chemical composition of the E908 additive. There is no detailed information about the beneficial effects of the additive on the body, as well as how it is harmful.
All the nutritional and beneficial properties were able to accurately determine for themselves only cosmetologists. Cosmetologists note RBW as a good soothing and antioxidant effect in the composition of nourishing, soothing, protective and emollient products for the face, body and hands.
Applications
In the food industry, the RBW additive is not used very actively (despite the absence of bans in our country and the complete safety of the additive). Most often, wax is used as a glazing agent.
A substance with anti-flaming properties is added to the composition of glazes for dragees, sweets – caramel and chocolate, chocolate, various nuts and coffee beans.
Sometimes the additive is used as a flavor enhancer (flavor enhancers are special substances that are obtained naturally or synthetically and are designed to impart uniformity to products without violating the main taste qualities of the main components). It is worth noting that RBW is used by manufacturers to suppress the foaming process.
Traces of the additive can be found in confectionery products (mainly those containing flour). Also in wax can be found in the basis of chewing gum.
The properties of the additive allow it to be actively used as a component for the production of coating mixtures. In other words, E908 is added to formulations for treating the bark of trees such as tangerines, oranges, apples, pears, etc.
You can also find on the shelves of shops and supermarkets fruits, vegetables and berries treated with wax in order to give the product an attractive look and keep it fresh longer.
In cosmetology, E908 is actively added to creams and oils, scrubs, lotions and ointments. Also, rice bran wax is an integral component of lip cosmetics and UV protection products.
Since the melting point of rice wax is high, it is often used to make lipsticks and lip balms, resulting in cosmetic products that are gentle, uniform and pleasant. In the process of preparing creams, it acts as a stabilizer and thickener.
Rice wax can also be seen in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair styling products.
Rice wax can completely replace candelilla and carnauba wax. The concentration of this additive in cosmetic products can vary from 1 to 10 percent (lipsticks – up to 10 percent, balms and creams – up to 5 percent).
Rarely, E908 is used in the textile and pharmaceutical industries. It can be found in the composition of carbon paper, waterproofing and ordinary wax candles.
If you need to use as an additive to medicinal ointments, you should definitely consult your doctor.
Mode of application
Prepare a water bath. In a separate container (not plastic, preferably glass), place rice bran wax, add any oily base, put in a water bath (the bottom of the container with the wax mixture should be immersed in water).
Heat at a temperature of 90 degrees until a homogeneous mass is obtained. All additives are ready for further use.
Terms of sale and packaging
The additive is freely available, sold in tight plastic bags, paper bags or plastic cans. The minimum packaging weight is 30 grams, the maximum is 1 kilogram. The crystalline substance should be stored in a dry place, at temperatures up to +30 degrees. The most famous manufacturer and supplier of the E908 additive is the French company Aroma Zone. In Russia, the additive is produced by Terra Aromatica.