Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Aluminum Sulfate
Aluminum Sulfate
Aluminum Sulfate
What is it:
Aluminum sulfate, also known as alum, is a food additive with the E number E520. It’s primarily used as a coagulant to purify drinking water, a soil acidifier, a sizing agent in paper manufacturing, and as a firming agent and acidity regulator in various food products. Aluminum sulfate is produced by dissolving aluminum oxide (Al2O3) in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), resulting in a chemical reaction that yields aluminum sulfate as a crystalline compound. It is used in only a few specific food products, including pickles, baking powder, and candied fruits.
Rating:
In animal studies, aluminum has demonstrated toxic effects at very high levels and chronic exposure. While aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in Earth’s crust and some exposure to it is normal from the air, water, earth, soil, and food, there is limited research on how exposure to aluminum added into food may affect humans. However, some research has determined potential associations between aluminum exposure and illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Other research has not confirmed these negative health associations. The amounts of aluminum used in food additives are regulated to ensure low levels of exposure to aluminum, however, some researchers have suggested that the burden of aluminum has grown and an individual may be unknowingly exposed to higher levels than thought. It is important to note that aluminum sulfate is not a very commonly used food additive as it is only approved for use in very specific products.
Resources:
- Aluminum sulfate inhibits mold (in vivo and in vitro study)
- EFSA re-evaluation of the safety of aluminum sulfates
- Chronic toxic effects of aluminum on nervous system of rabbits
- Daily aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s (review)
- Toxicity of aluminum in humans (review)
- Health effects of aluminum exposure (review)
- Evaluation of potential health risks of aluminum exposure (systematic review)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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