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E356 Dipotassium Malate: Food Additive

E356 (dipotassium malate) is an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator and buffering agent in the food industry.

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Things worth knowing about "E356"

E356 (dipotassium malate) is an approved food additive used as an acidity regulator and buffering agent in the food industry.

What is E356?

E356 refers to dipotassium malate, the dipotassium salt of malic acid. It is an approved food additive in the European Union, primarily used as an acidity regulator and buffering agent in processed foods. E356 belongs to the group of malates, which are the salts and esters of malic acid.

Origin and Chemical Properties

Dipotassium malate is produced chemically by neutralising malic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. Malic acid occurs naturally in many fruits, especially apples, cherries, and grapes. The resulting salt appears as a white, water-soluble powder and is essentially odourless and tasteless.

Use in Food Products

E356 is used in the food industry for several purposes:

Acidity regulator: It stabilises the pH value of food products and prevents unwanted chemical changes.
Buffering agent: It compensates for fluctuations in acidity levels and ensures consistent product quality.
Flavour support: In small quantities, it can enhance the natural fruit flavour of food products.
Preservation support: By regulating pH, it can indirectly contribute to the shelf life of products.

Typical applications include soft drinks, fruit spreads, jams, baked goods, confectionery, and dietary foods.

Safety and Regulatory Status

E356 is approved in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated malates, including dipotassium malate, and classified them as safe for human consumption when used within the established maximum levels. No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been set for this substance group, as it is considered toxicologically acceptable.

Health Aspects

Dipotassium malate is broken down in the human body into naturally occurring malic acid and potassium. Both components are physiologically normal and are metabolised by the body:

Malic acid is a natural intermediate of the citric acid cycle (energy metabolism) and is fully metabolised.
Potassium is an essential mineral required for the proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves.

At normal dietary intake levels, there are no known health risks. However, individuals with impaired kidney function should monitor their total potassium intake from all sources, as the kidneys are responsible for excreting excess potassium.

Labelling and Consumer Information

Food products containing E356 must declare this additive on the ingredient list, either by its E-number E356 or by its name dipotassium malate. Consumers wishing to monitor their intake of specific additives can check the ingredient list accordingly.

References

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 added to Food (ANS): Re-evaluation of malic acid (E 296) and sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium malates. EFSA Journal, 2013.
World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Compendium of Food Additive Specifications -- Malates. JECFA Monographs, Geneva.

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