Adipic Acid in Food: What You Need to Know

05/27/2023

Adipic acid is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a food additive to enhance flavor, acidity, and shelf life. It is also used in the production of nylon, plastics, and synthetic fibers. But what is adipic acid, and is it safe to consume?

What is Adipic Acid?

Adipic acid, also known as hexanedioic acid, is a white crystalline substance that has a sour taste. It is naturally found in some plants, such as sugar beets and beetroot, but it is mainly produced synthetically from petroleum or corn. Adipic acid is used as an ingredient in various food products, such as gelatin, cheese, yogurt, salad dressings, sauces, soups, baked goods, candies, and soft drinks. It acts as a flavor enhancer, a preservative, an acidulant, and a leavening agent.

Is Adipic Acid Safe?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adipic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food at levels not exceeding current good manufacturing practice. The FDA has set a maximum limit of 5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of adipic acid. This means that an average adult weighing 70 kilograms can consume up to 350 grams of adipic acid per day without any adverse effects.

However, some studies have suggested that high intake of adipic acid may have some negative impacts on health. For example, adipic acid may increase the risk of kidney stones by increasing the excretion of calcium and oxalate in urine. Adipic acid may also interfere with the absorption of minerals, such as iron and zinc, by forming insoluble complexes in the digestive tract. Adipic acid may also cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to it.

The table below summarizes some of the benefits and drawbacks of adipic acid in food.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Enhances flavor	Increases risk of kidney stones
Improves acidity	Reduces mineral absorption
Extends shelf life	Causes allergic reactions

How to Avoid Adipic Acid in Food?

If you want to avoid or reduce your intake of adipic acid in food, you can follow these tips:

Read the labels of food products and look for ingredients that contain adipic acid or its synonyms, such as E355, hexanedioate, or 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid.
Choose natural or organic food products that do not contain artificial additives or preservatives.
Make your own food at home using fresh ingredients and natural seasonings.
Limit your consumption of processed foods, especially those that are high in sugar, fat, and salt.
Drink plenty of water to flush out any excess adipic acid from your body.

Adipic acid is a common food additive that has both advantages and disadvantages for health. While it can enhance the taste and quality of food products, it can also cause some health problems if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the sources and effects of adipic acid in food and to moderate your intake accordingly.

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