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E333 Calcium Citrates: Additive, Function & Safety

E333 is the EU code for calcium citrates, used as food additives for acidity regulation and firming. They are considered safe and also serve as a bioavailable source of calcium.

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Things worth knowing about "E333"

E333 is the EU code for calcium citrates, used as food additives for acidity regulation and firming. They are considered safe and also serve as a bioavailable source of calcium.

What is E333?

E333 is the European approval number for calcium citrates, a group of calcium salts derived from citric acid. The designation covers three related compounds: monocalcium citrate (E333i), dicalcium citrate (E333ii), and tricalcium citrate (E333iii). These substances occur naturally in various foods and are also produced synthetically for use in the food industry.

Use in Food

Calcium citrates serve multiple technological functions as food additives:

Acidity regulator: They stabilize and control the pH of food products.
Firming agent: They help maintain the texture and firmness of fruit and vegetable products.
Emulsifier: They support the even distribution of ingredients in processed foods.
Raising agent: In baked goods, they can act as a leavening component.
Calcium mineral source: They are used as a calcium source in fortified foods and dietary supplements.

Common food products containing E333 include beverages, jellies, jams, cheese, baked goods, and dietary supplements.

Biological Function and Nutritional Relevance

Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body. It plays a key role in:

the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth
muscle function and nerve transmission
blood clotting
cell division and signal transduction

Calcium citrate is recognized as one of the most bioavailable forms of calcium. Unlike calcium carbonate, calcium citrate is well absorbed regardless of stomach acid levels, making it particularly suitable for older adults or individuals with reduced gastric acid production.

Safety and Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed calcium citrates as safe for use in food. They are listed in EU Food Additives Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 and are permitted in a wide range of food categories. No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value has been established for calcium citrates, as no health risk has been identified at typical consumption levels.

Calcium citrates are generally well tolerated. At very high doses -- such as those from excessive supplementation -- digestive side effects such as bloating or loose stools may occur. Excessive calcium intake should generally be avoided, as it may in rare cases contribute to kidney stones or hypercalcaemia.

Labelling and Legal Framework

In the European Union, E333 is an approved food additive and must be declared in the ingredient list either as E333 or as calcium citrates. The legal basis is Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of citric acid (E 330) and sodium, potassium, calcium, and ammonium salts of citric acid (E 331-333) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2020.
Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives, Official Journal of the European Union.
Straub, D.A.: Calcium supplementation in clinical practice: a review of forms, doses, and indications. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 22(3), 286-296, 2007.

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