The Food Preservative - Calcium Propionate
Calcium propionate comes in solid or powder form of white crystalline, which is actually refined calcium salt of propionic acid. It's a food preservative mostly used in bakeshops as a mold and fungi inhibitor. A small amount of calcium propionate is mixed with flour to extend the shelf life of baked goods and prevent rapid growth of a broad spectrum of molds. The active component of calcium propionate is propionate that inhibits the metabolism of microbes, causing them to shrink or cease to reproduce.
Aside from food such as bread, cake, jelly, beverages and sauces, calcium propionate is also commonly used in tobacco and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in butyl rubber to extend service life; likewise in the production of agrochemicals, plastics, plasticizers, dyes, artificial flavors and cosmetics.
Calcium propionate is a solution of calcium, potassium, sodium, and has an equivalent of 78% propionic acid. Its chemical formula is C6H10CaO4 and molecular weight 186.22. This powder has a 5% or less moisture content with a pH of 8.0 to 10.0. Calcium propionate passes the Food Chemical Codex (FCC) specifications. Its matter passes 100% in a US 40 mesh. Calcium propionate is prepared by allowing a vaporous mixture of propionic acid and water to pass into an aqueous solution that has calcium propionate and calcium hydroxide, with propionic acid as an option.
The use of calcium propionate became widespread in Australia in the early 1990's and has gained popularity in the UK and the US. It is used not for the calcium but for the propionate. Along with other propionates, calcium propionates naturally arise in many types of food as well as dairy products. Being a preservative in itself, its effects on human health are dose-related but not established yet. They have not been found harmful in small amounts. This compound is water-soluble and doesn't decompose so that there are limitations as to its cumulative effects on the body.
Intolerance reactions to calcium propionate may include milk headaches to migraine, gastro-intestinal disturbances, frequent urination, eczema and other skin rashes, nasal congestion (if inhaled), depression, unexplainable tiredness, memory and concentration impairment, speech delay, fast heartbeat, growing pains, loud voice, irritability, restlessness and inattention.
Depending on the manufacturer, calcium propionate comes in packages of 500 grams and 2.5 kilograms packed in multiple layered paper bags.
Calcium propionate is not listed among the carcinogens but studies are still underway regarding it potential effects. It is rated as having slight toxicity.
Calcium
It's The Element That Counts - Elemental Calcium
Too Much And Too Low - Calcium Levels
Calcium
... lives in Okinawa Japan. No wonder there are thousands of Okinawa coral calcium Complex products popping up in the market today. While these do not guarantee us immortality, these assure us a graceful way of ageing. If you're interested to try the Okinawa coral calcium Complex, the various brands available ...
... the slowing down of ones nervous system. It also causes the muscles to weaken, slow down digestion, constipated bowels, kidneys creating stones, and the bones become delicate and perhaps weak. High calcium in the blood has different effect on everyone. Some have warning signs, others have none. High blood ...
... effect on circulation and the heart have shown interesting findings; the use of calcium orotate as a treatment for lowered blood pressure on both chronic and milder form of hypertonia, has shown the vanishing of angina pains, particularly with hypertrophied heart. Additionally, there is a remarkable improvement ...
... saturated fat to decrease the risk of osteoporosis through the calcium they contain, is actually not an option. Fortunately, low-fat dairy food are just as high calcium foods as those in high fat dairy food. Dairy high calcium foods includes one cup milk, pudding, yogurt, or one and a half ounce of cheese; ...
... doesn't assure us that our bodies will be able to carry out the necessary calcium absorption. And to make matters worse, majority of us do not even get to squeeze in enough calcium into our diets. Another fact gathered about calcium absorption is that most humans only absorb around 30% of their calcium ...