Magnesium salts of fatty acids
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E470B, known as magnesium salts of fatty acids, is an emulsifier and stabilizer widely used in the food industry. It consists of magnesium salts derived from fatty acids, mainly stearic, palmitic, oleic, and lauric acids, obtained from vegetable sources (such as palm, coconut, or sunflower oil) or animal sources (beef or pork fats). Industrially, it is produced by saponification of fats and oils with magnesium hydroxide, followed by purification and drying.
The result is a white or slightly yellowish powder, insoluble in water but dispersible in fats, with a melting point between 50-80°C. Its main function is to act as an emulsifier, allowing the homogeneous mixing of ingredients that normally do not combine, such as water and oil. It is also used as an anti-caking agent and stabilizer.
The history of its use dates back to the mid-20th century, and it was approved in the European Union after evaluations by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and WHO (World Health Organization). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 30 mg/kg body weight for magnesium salts of fatty acids, considering no safety concerns at current usage levels. WHO, through the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), also evaluated it and set an ADI of 30 mg/kg.
Regarding food safety, it is considered a safe additive, as fatty acids and magnesium are natural components of the diet. No significant adverse effects in humans have been reported. In labeling, it must appear as 'magnesium salts of fatty acids' or with its E number.
It is important to note that, although safe, its consumption should be within established limits to avoid possible laxative effects from magnesium at very high doses, although this does not occur at the amounts present in foods.
E470B is mainly used in bakery and industrial pastry products, such as cookies, cakes, and sliced bread, to improve texture and prevent rancidity. It is also found in margarines, spreads, chocolates, coatings, ice creams, emulsified sauces, processed meat products (sausages, pâtés), and dietary supplements.
In the Spanish market, it is common in cookie brands like 'Cuétara' or 'Fontaneda', in margarines like 'Flora' or 'Ligeresa', and in chocolates like 'Nestlé' or 'Milka'. The authorized limits according to Regulation EC 1333/2008 vary by category: in cocoa and chocolate products, up to 10 g/kg; in margarines, up to 10 g/kg; in fine bakery wares, up to 20 g/kg; in ice creams, up to 5 g/kg. Compared to the US FDA, E470B is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for similar uses, although without specific limits. In Japan, it is permitted as an emulsifier with restrictions similar to European ones.
It is important to note that, although it is a safe additive, its use must comply with good manufacturing practices.
Toxicological studies conducted by EFSA and JECFA have found no significant adverse effects associated with the consumption of E470B at permitted doses. In rats, very high doses (above 1000 mg/kg/day) caused diarrhea and reduced growth, but these effects are attributed to magnesium rather than fatty acids. In humans, no allergic reactions or chronic toxicity have been documented.
The biological mechanism is simple: fatty acids are digested and absorbed normally, while magnesium is partially absorbed and excess is excreted in feces. Sensitive populations could include people with kidney failure, as magnesium is eliminated via the kidneys; however, the amounts present in foods are very low to cause problems. No interactions with medications are known. EFSA concluded that there is no risk of genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity. WHO/JECFA also considers it safe.
In summary, E470B is one of the safest additives, with no documented side effects under normal conditions of use.
- Magnesium salts of fatty acids
- Magnesium stearate
- Magnesium palmitate
- Magnesium oleate
- Magnesium laurate
- Stearic acid magnesium salt
- Palmitic acid magnesium salt
- Oleic acid magnesium salt
- Lauric acid magnesium salt
Classification:
Statistics
16
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.