Sodium Alginate

CAS 9005-38-3

Introduction:

Sodium alginate is a flavorless gum used mostly in gelatin-type foods and to make reformed food bits. It is also used as a thickener and emulsifier to improve texture and prevent separation. It can be found in hard candy, condiments, relishes, confections, frostings, gelatins and puddings.

Alginate is natural polysaccharide etracted from seaweeds. In other words, it is natural fiber and sustainable resources.

Alginate is a polysaccharide that is found in brown algae at levels of 30-60% on a dry weight basis.

Alginate is a dietary fibre.

Alginic acid forms in tha body of living kelp and combines with a variety of minerals from sea-water to form a soft gel.

Alginate gives both flexibility and strength to growing sea plants.

Sodium alginate is used in dyes for textile printing and as a material to make dental impressions. It is also an active ingredient in indigestion remedies, and a can be used to chelate radioactive metals from the body.

Health Effects

Sodium is a salt naturally found in the human body. Alginates are a natural carbohydrate and pose no health danger.

Those who are pregnant or have heart disease or diabetes should limit consumption of sodium alginate due to its sodium content.

Origins

Alginates are naturally occurring polysaccharides, which are long carbohydrate molecules, obtained from several varieties of seaweed, especially kelp. In sodium alginate, a sodium ion is chemically bonded to an alginate.