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E401 Sodium alginate

Origin:
Sodium salt of alginic acid (E400), a natural polysaccharide, produced by different seaweeds of the family Phaeophyceae (Macrocystis pyrifera, Laminaria digitata, L. cloustoni, Ascophyllum nodosum) in the USA and the UK.

Function & characteristics:
Thickening agent and emulsifier.

Products:
Many different products.

Acceptable Daily Intake:
None specified.

Side effects:
None known in the concentrations used. High concentrations lead to impairment of iron uptake, as the iron is bound.

Dietary restrictions:
Alginic acid and alginates can be used by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.