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Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)
What is it:
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is a synthetic emulsifier widely used in the food industry to enhance the texture and consistency of various food products, particularly in chocolate and confectionery items. It is produced through the reaction between polyglycerol and polyricinoleic acid, derived from castor oil. Incorporating PGPR into food products helps prevent ingredient separation, maintain a smooth texture, and reduce the viscosity of chocolate.
Rating:
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate is a synthetically produced substance that is not naturally occurring in nature and is used in highly processed foods. While the majority of research suggests no negative effect of PGPR on organ health or genotoxicity in humans or animals, one study in mice determined that PGPR could aggravate colon inflammation and increase the percentage of weight from fat. This correlates with newer research suggesting that some emulsifiers may harm the health of the gut microbiota.
Resources:
- No adverse effect of PGPR noted in humans (clinical trial)
- No adverse effects of PGPR found in animal and human studies (review)
- No carcinogenic effect of PGPR in rats and mice (animal studies)
- EFSA Re‐evaluation of polyglycerol polyricinoleate as a food additive
- Adverse effects of PGPR in mice (animal study)
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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