Origin:
Potassium salt of alginic acid, 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, mainly for low-salt/sodium 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.
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