Calcium stearate is used as an emulsifier in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This substance is otherwise called additive E572. How safe is this chemical compound for human he alth? And how does it affect the body? We will consider these issues in the article.
Description
You can often see a mention on the packaging that the product contains calcium stearate. What it is? This substance is the calcium s alt of stearic acid. Its chemical formula is CaC36H70O4.
This substance is also called calcium stearate. It is obtained as a result of a chemical reaction, where calcium oxide and stearic acid are used as reagents. Also, this compound is formed when soap reacts with hard water.
Calcium stearate is a white powdery substance. It has a soapy texture. Additive E572 cannot be dissolved in water and ethyl alcohol. It melts at +88 degrees and is highly flammable.
Properties
Why is calcium stearate widely used in industry? This connection is used as:
- Emulsifier. Additive E572 helps to combine substances that are difficult to mix under normal conditions. With it, you can get, for example, a mixture of oil solution and water.
- Thickener. Calcium stearate makes the mixture more viscous.
- Shaper. Additive E572 maintains the shape, structure and consistency of the mixture.
Application
What industries use calcium stearate? Most often, this substance is used in the manufacture of cosmetics: eye shadow, blush, powder, shampoos and hair balms. The additive increases the volume of the mixture, and also prevents particles from sticking together and the appearance of lumps.
Additive E572 is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals. This substance is found in some medicines.
In addition, calcium stearate is used as a stabilizer and lubricant for plastics. This substance is added to varnishes and paints so that they dry faster when applied.
Calcium stearate is sometimes used as a thickener for lubricants. However, its use is limited due to its increased flammability.
Is the additive E572 used in food production? In Russia and many other countries, the use of this substance as a thickener for food is prohibited. However, stearatecalcium is part of the food supplement E470. It is produced under the name "Fatty acids, s alts of aluminum and calcium." This supplement is found in instant soups, powdered sugar and glucose powder.
Effect on the body
Does calcium stearate harm the body? To understand this issue, you need to consider the effect of the additive. Calcium stearate, when it enters the gastrointestinal tract, reacts with gastric juice. Under the influence of hydrochloric acid, the substance quickly decomposes into stearic acid and calcium sulfate. In its pure form, stearate is absorbed in the body in very small quantities.
Only a very large portion of a substance can cause harm. It is allowed to consume no more than 2.5 g of the supplement per 1 kg of body weight per day. If this dose is systematically exceeded, thyroid dysfunction may occur. If you do not abuse products with the addition of E470, then there will be no negative he alth effects.
It is also important to pay attention to the compatibility of calcium stearate with other substances. This supplement may be harmful when taken with alcohol. Also, products containing E470 should not be washed down with energy drinks.
In case of metabolic disorders, food with the addition of E470 should be completely excluded from the diet. If a person's metabolism does not work properly, then calcium stearate can provoke gastrointestinal diseases.
It can be concluded that for he althy people, stearate is not harmful if you use this supplement inallowable quantity.
