Gluconic acid
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
E574, known as gluconic acid, is a food additive classified as an acidity regulator. It is a weak organic acid naturally found in fruits, honey, and wine, although for industrial use it is mainly produced by enzymatic oxidation of glucose using the enzyme glucose oxidase. Industrially, it is obtained from glucose syrup, which is fermented with microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger, followed by a purification and concentration process.
Gluconic acid is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder, very soluble in water, with a slightly acidic taste. Its main function is to regulate the acidity of foods, acting as an acidulant and flavor enhancer. It can also act as a sequestrant of metal ions, preventing unwanted oxidation reactions.
The history of its use as an additive dates back to the mid-20th century, and it was approved in the European Union as a safe food additive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated gluconic acid on several occasions, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of "not specified," indicating that it is not considered a health risk in the amounts normally consumed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated it and considers it safe.
Regarding food safety, E574 is well tolerated and no significant adverse effects have been identified in toxicological studies. In food labeling, it must appear as "gluconic acid" or with its E number.
In summary, gluconic acid is a safe and effective additive, widely used in the food industry to adjust acidity and improve product stability.
Gluconic acid (E574) is used in a wide variety of food categories as an acidity regulator. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, it is authorized in products such as soft drinks, fruit juices, dairy products (yogurts, desserts), ice cream, jams, jellies, sauces, soups, processed meat and fish products, and bakery products.
In the Spanish market, it can be found in isotonic drinks, light cola drinks, flavored yogurts, low-calorie jams, and salad dressings. Authorized limits vary by category, but generally quantum satis (sufficient amount to achieve the desired effect) is allowed, without a specific maximum limit, except in some products where limits such as 500 mg/kg are set. Comparatively, the US FDA considers it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for similar uses, and it is also permitted in Japan.
The versatility of gluconic acid makes it useful in both processed foods and artisanal products, always within good manufacturing practices.
Gluconic acid (E574) is considered safe by major food safety agencies. Toxicological studies have not shown significant adverse effects in humans or animals. EFSA and WHO have established an ADI of "not specified," meaning there is no evidence of toxicity at usual consumption levels.
At very high doses, it could cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or bloating, due to its osmotic effect, but this is unlikely in the food context. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects have been documented. Sensitive populations, such as people with rare metabolic disorders (e.g., glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), do not present specific adverse reactions to gluconic acid. No significant interactions with medications are known.
In conclusion, scientific evidence supports that E574 is a safe additive for the general population, with no relevant side effects at the amounts used in foods.
- D-Gluconic acid
- Dextronic acid
- Gluconic acid (D-gluconic)
- Hydrogen gluconate
Classification:
Statistics
29
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.