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E285: Sodium tetraborate

Origin:
Sodium salt of boric acid, a natural acid, but commercially produced from boron.

Function & characteristics:
Boric acid and borates are used as a buffer to control acidity in products. It is also used in multi-vitamin/mineral products as a mineral source.

Products:
rarely used in foods, but often in farmaceuticals.

Acceptable daily intake:
up to 0.1 mg/kg

Side effects :
No side effects known from foods. In farmaceutical preparations concentrations are much higher and may cause several side effects.

Dietary restrictions :
None, boric acid and borates can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.