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 health? And how does it affect the body? We will consider these issues in the article.
Description
On the packaging, you can often see a mention that the product contains calcium stearate. What it is? This substance is a calcium salt of stearic acid. Its chemical formula is CaC 36 H 70 O 4 .
This substance is also called calcium stearic acid. It is obtained as a result of a chemical reaction, where calcium oxide and stearic acid are used as reagents. This compound is also formed by the interaction of soap with hard water.
Calcium stearate is a white, powdery substance. It has a soapy consistency. Additive E572 cannot be dissolved in water and ethyl alcohol. It melts at a temperature of +88 degrees and is highly flammable.
The properties
Why is calcium stearate widely used in industry? This compound is used as:
- Emulsifier. Additive E572 helps to connect substances that are difficult to mix under normal conditions. With its help it is possible to obtain, for example, a mixture of an oil solution and water.
- Thickener. Calcium stearic acid makes the mixture more viscous.
- Former. Additive E572 preserves the shape, structure and texture of the mixture.
Application
What industries use calcium stearate? Most often, this substance is used in the manufacture of cosmetics: eyeshadow, blush, powder, shampoos and hair balms. The additive increases the volume of the mixture, and also prevents the adhesion of particles and the appearance of lumps.
Additive E572 is also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. This substance is part of some drugs.
In addition, calcium stearate is used as a stabilizer and lubricant for plastics. This substance is added to varnishes and paints so that they soon dry out when applied.
In some cases, calcium stearic acid is used as a thickener for lubricants. However, its use is limited due to increased combustibility.
Is E572 used in food production? In Russia and many other countries, the use of this substance as a thickener for food is prohibited. However, calcium stearic acid is part of the food supplement E470. It is released under the name Fatty Acids, Aluminum and Calcium Salts. This supplement is found in instant soups, powdered sugar and powdered glucose.
Effects on the body
Does calcium stearate harm the body? To understand this issue, you need to consider the effect of the supplement. Calcium stearic acid, when it enters the digestive 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 the substance can cause harm. Per day, it is allowed to consume no more than 2.5 g of the supplement per 1 kg of body weight. With a systematic excess of this dose, a thyroid gland malfunction may occur. If you do not abuse products with the addition of E470, then there will be no negative health consequences.
It is also important to pay attention to the compatibility of calcium stearic acid with other substances. This supplement may be harmful if taken with alcohol. Also, products containing E470 cannot 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 does not have a proper metabolism, then calcium stearic acid can provoke gastrointestinal diseases.
It can be concluded that stearate is not harmful to healthy people if you use this supplement in an acceptable amount.