Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Calcium Aluminosilicate (E556) – Food Additive Explained

Calcium aluminosilicate is an inorganic mineral compound approved as a food additive (E556). It is primarily used as an anticaking agent to keep powdered foods free-flowing and prevent clumping.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Calcium Aluminosilicate"

Calcium aluminosilicate is an inorganic mineral compound approved as a food additive (E556). It is primarily used as an anticaking agent to keep powdered foods free-flowing and prevent clumping.

What is Calcium Aluminosilicate?

Calcium aluminosilicate is an inorganic compound composed of calcium, aluminium, silicon, and oxygen. In the food industry, it is approved under the European food additive number E556 and belongs to the category of anticaking agents. It is used to keep powdered and granulated food products such as table salt, spices, and powdered milk free-flowing and to prevent them from clumping together.

Chemical Properties

Calcium aluminosilicate belongs to the large family of silicates, which occur naturally in the Earth's crust. It appears as a white, odourless, and flavourless powder with very low water solubility. The compound is chemically stable and does not react with other food ingredients under normal conditions.

Applications in Food

In food technology, calcium aluminosilicate is typically used in the following products:

Table salt and cooking salt
Ground spices and spice blends
Dry soup and broth powders
Powdered milk and coffee whiteners
Baking powder and other baking aids

The permitted maximum levels are regulated by European Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The allowed amount varies by food category and typically falls within a range of a few grams per kilogram of the final product.

Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated calcium aluminosilicate and concluded that the absorption of aluminium from this compound in the gastrointestinal tract is very low. However, aluminium can accumulate in the human body, which is why EFSA has established a Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) for aluminium from all dietary sources.

Individuals with impaired kidney function should pay attention to their overall aluminium intake, as the kidneys are the primary route of aluminium excretion. For healthy adults following a balanced diet, consumption of E556 within the permitted levels is considered safe.

Labelling Requirements

Under EU labelling regulations, calcium aluminosilicate must be declared in the ingredient list of food products either by its name calcium aluminosilicate or by its E-number E556. This allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Comparison with Similar Anticaking Agents

Calcium aluminosilicate belongs to a group of related silicate-based anticaking agents, which include the following approved additives:

E551 – Silicon dioxide
E552 – Calcium silicate
E553a – Magnesium silicate
E554 – Sodium aluminosilicate
E555 – Potassium aluminosilicate

Compared to other anticaking agents, E556 contains both calcium and aluminium, which is taken into account in risk assessments.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of calcium aluminosilicate (E 556) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2019.
European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources: Re-evaluation of aluminium-containing food additives. EFSA Journal, 2011;9(7).

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.