Adipic acid(CAS124-04-9) is a common food additive that has various functions and benefits. In this article, we will explore what adipic acid is, where it comes from, how it is used in food, and what you need to know about its safety and health effects.
What is Adipic Acid?
Adipic acid is a type of organic acid that has six carbon atoms and two carboxyl groups. Its chemical formula is C6H10O4. It is a white crystalline powder that has no odor and a slightly sour taste. Adipic acid can be found naturally in some plants, such as beets and sugar cane, but most of the adipic acid used in food is synthetically produced from cyclohexane, a petroleum derivative.
How is Adipic Acid Used in Food?
Adipic acid has several roles in food processing and preservation. Some of them are:
- Acidulant: Adipic acid can lower the pH of foods and beverages, making them more acidic and sour. This can enhance the flavor, prevent microbial growth, and improve shelf life.
- Gelling agent: Adipic acid can help form gels by interacting with proteins or starches. This can give foods a smooth and firm texture, such as in jams, jellies, and cheeses.
- Buffering agent: Adipic acid can help maintain a stable pH in foods and beverages by neutralizing excess acids or bases. This can prevent undesirable changes in color, taste, or texture.
- Leavening agent: Adipic acid can react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which can make baked goods rise and become fluffy.
- Antioxidant: Adipic acid can act as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to foods. This can extend the shelf life and quality of foods.
What are the Benefits of Adipic Acid in Food?
Adipic acid can provide several benefits for food manufacturers and consumers. Some of them are:
- Cost-effectiveness: Adipic acid is relatively cheap and widely available compared to other food additives. It can also reduce the need for other ingredients, such as sugar, salt, or preservatives.
- Versatility: Adipic acid can be used in a variety of foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, gelatin desserts, baked goods, dairy products, condiments, and candies.
- Consistency: Adipic acid can help ensure consistent quality and performance of foods and beverages by controlling their acidity, texture, appearance, and flavor.
- Safety: Adipic acid has been approved for safe consumption by various regulatory authorities around the world, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). It has a low toxicity and does not accumulate in the body.
What are the Drawbacks of Adipic Acid(CAS124-04-9) in Food?
Adipic acid may also have some drawbacks for food manufacturers and consumers. Some of them are:
- Environmental impact: The production of adipic acid from cyclohexane involves the use of nitric acid, which generates nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. According to a study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adipic acid production accounts for about 8% of global N2O emissions from industrial sources.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to adipic acid or its derivatives, such as adipates. This can cause symptoms such as skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis. People who have allergies to aspirin or salicylates may be more prone to react to adipic acid.
- Nutritional value: Adipic acid does not provide any nutritional value to foods and beverages. It may also interfere with the absorption of some minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, by forming insoluble complexes with them. This can affect the nutritional status of people who consume large amounts of foods and beverages containing adipic acid.
How to Find Adipic Acid in Food Labels?
Adipic acid must be clearly identified in the ingredient list of foods and beverages that contain it. It may be listed by its name or by its code number, which is E355 in the European Union and 355 in Australia and New Zealand. Adipic acid may also be present in foods and beverages that are labeled as “artificially flavored” or “contains artificial flavors”.
How Much Adipic Acid is Safe to Consume?
The safe intake level of adipic acid depends on various factors, such as body weight, age, health status, and dietary habits. The JECFA has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of adipic acid and its salts as 5 mg per kg of body weight per day. This means that a person weighing 60 kg can safely consume up to 300 mg of adipic acid per day. However, this does not mean that consuming more than this amount is harmful. The ADI is based on the highest dose that does not cause any adverse effects in animal studies, with a safety margin of 100 times.
Conclusion
Adipic acid(CAS124-04-9) is a common food additive that has various functions and benefits in food processing and preservation. It can enhance the flavor, texture, appearance, and shelf life of foods and beverages. It is also relatively cheap, widely available, versatile, consistent, and safe to consume. However, adipic acid may also have some drawbacks, such as environmental impact, allergic reactions, and nutritional value. Therefore, consumers should be aware of the presence and amount of adipic acid in the foods and beverages they consume, and balance their intake with other sources of nutrients.
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