E585 Magnesium Lactate – Food Additive
E585 (magnesium lactate) is an approved food additive used as a firming agent and acidity regulator, and occurs naturally in fermented foods.
Things worth knowing about "E585"
E585 (magnesium lactate) is an approved food additive used as a firming agent and acidity regulator, and occurs naturally in fermented foods.
What is E585 (Magnesium Lactate)?
E585 is the European E-number designation for magnesium lactate, the magnesium salt of lactic acid. It is an approved food additive regulated in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008. Magnesium lactate occurs naturally in small amounts in fermented foods, as lactic acid is a natural metabolic product of lactic acid bacteria.
Uses in Food
E585 is used in the food industry for several purposes:
- Firming agent: E585 helps maintain or improve the texture and firmness of processed foods.
- Acidity regulator: It regulates the pH of food products and stabilizes their acidity level.
- Mineral source: In some products, E585 simultaneously serves as a source of bioavailable magnesium.
Typical areas of application include processed fruit and vegetable products, baked goods, beverages, and dietary supplements.
Chemical Properties
Magnesium lactate has the chemical formula C₆H₁₀MgO₆ and typically appears as a white, crystalline powder. It is readily water-soluble and has a mild, slightly acidic taste. The compound is produced by neutralizing lactic acid with magnesium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide.
Safety and Health Assessment
E585 is considered safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) when used in the specified quantities. No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value has been established, as magnesium lactate is classified as having no safety concern at the levels used. The magnesium contributed by E585 can even help meet the daily magnesium requirement.
Possible Side Effects
No significant side effects are known from normal dietary intake. At very high doses, such as those that could result from uncontrolled supplementation, the following symptoms may occur:
- Digestive complaints (e.g., diarrhea, nausea)
- Abdominal cramps
- In cases of extreme overdose: hypermagnesemia (elevated blood magnesium levels), particularly in individuals with impaired kidney function
Magnesium Lactate as a Dietary Supplement
In addition to its function as a food additive, magnesium lactate is also used in dietary supplements. It is considered one of the well-bioavailable magnesium compounds. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, and bone health.
Labeling and Regulation
In the EU, E585 must be declared in the ingredient list of a food product either as E585 or as magnesium lactate. Its use is restricted to specific food categories and is subject to the requirements of the EU Food Additives Regulation.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of lactic acid (E 270), sodium lactate (E 325), potassium lactate (E 326), calcium lactate (E 327), magnesium lactate (E 329) and potassium hydrogen lactate (E 326) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2018.
- Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
- World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Compendium of Food Additive Specifications. JECFA Monographs, Magnesium lactate.
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