Food supplement E363 or succinic acid is a dibasic carboxylic acid found naturally in many plants or their derivatives – amber, for example.
Succinic acid is obtained as a by-product of the fermentation of sugar and is found in almost all fermented beverages such as beer and various wines.
Dietary Supplement Properties
According to the physical characteristics, the food additive E363 is colorless crystals, which are perfectly soluble in water and ethyl alcohol at a temperature of 185 degrees. Under the chemical formula of succinic acid, it is customary to mean the following combination of chemical elements – C4H6O4.
The name of the dietary supplement E363 comes from the organic mineral amber. It was from this mineral that succinic acid was obtained for the first time in the 17th century by distillation. Succinic acid was used in the 17th century exclusively as a medicine. With its help, it was possible to cure pain in rheumatism (external use) and chronic urethritis (internal use).
To date, this substance is industrially obtained by hydrogenation of maleic anhydrite. Other preparation routes include the carbonylation of ethylene glycol and the oxidation of 1,4-butanediol. In 2013, over 50 tons of succinic acid were produced worldwide. The main market for the consumption of the product is the food industry, where succinic acid is used in the form of an additive E363.
Influence on the body
The natural nature of the origin of this substance helps it to be present in living organisms and participate in the cellular respiration of the human body. Succinic acid helps the body to produce adenosine triphosphate, which supplies a person with energy.
Thus, this organic substance has a high level of restorative power, is able to destroy free radicals and act as an antioxidant.
Among other equally important effects on the human body of this substance, one should definitely mention the ability to improve the functioning of the heart, brain, liver, dissolve kidney stones, prevent the occurrence of cancer, strengthen immunity, reduce rising blood sugar, slow down inflammatory processes, normalize work central nervous system and neutralize the numerous poisons that enter the body. The latter quality helps a lot with alcohol poisoning and intoxication as an ambulance.
To keep the body in good shape during sports training and competitions, it is also recommended to use the food supplement E363.
In addition, it also has anti-radiation properties and can be used to reduce the effects of radiation on the body.
It is important to remember that skin contact with succinic acid may cause irritation. But this is perhaps its only negative trace in human nature. In all countries of the world, succinic acid is recognized as absolutely safe for human consumption.
Areas of use
In the food industry, this substance is used as an excellent food acidity regulator.
In pharmaceuticals, various drugs are made on its basis, in industrial production it serves as the basis for the production of plastics and resins, in animal husbandry it is used to reduce the incidence of animals and birds, and in agriculture to increase productivity and resistance to adverse conditions. Succinic acid is also used in analytical chemistry.
This substance is approved for use in almost all countries of the world, including the European Union, Ukraine and Russia.