Exploring the Security and Applications of Calcium Propionate
In the world of food production, Calcium Propionate is a familiar name. This compound, along with Propionate Acid, Sodium Propionate, Dilauryl Thiodipropionate, and Thiodipropionic Acid, are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the "CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21" [1].
The FDA has conducted an evaluation of the health aspects of these food additives and found Calcium Propionate to be generally safe to consume at the levels used in food production, particularly as a preservative in bread and baked goods [2]. However, it's important to note that some studies have suggested potential negative effects on gut health. Calcium propionate may alter the gut microbiome in some individuals, which could have implications for overall gut health [3].
Moreover, some people might experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to Calcium Propionate [3][4]. The American Council on Science and Health has published an article titled "Propionate, A Common Food Preservative, Alters Our Metabolism. Does That Make It A Disruptor?" [6], addressing these concerns.
The long-term health effects of synthetic additives like Calcium Propionate are not fully understood. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has a publication on Calcium Propionate [4], and the EFSA Journal has published safety assessments of Calcium Propionate (E 282) [5] and Sodium Propionate (E 281) [7], concerns remain about their impact over prolonged consumption.
One such concern is transparency in labeling. While Calcium Propionate has antimicrobial properties useful for preventing mold in bread, some caution exists regarding its undisclosed use or labeling transparency, as this may mislead consumers seeking to avoid synthetic additives [5].
In summary, Calcium propionate is generally regarded as safe at the levels used in food production. However, it may alter gut microbiomes, cause allergic or sensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals, and long-term effects are not fully understood. Consumers with sensitivities or concerns about gut health might choose to limit intake or select products without this preservative.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/regulations-policies/cfr/cfr-title-21
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. (n.d.). Chemical Cuisine. Retrieved from https://cspinet.org/reports/chemicalcuisine/
- International Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Genetics. (n.d.). Study on the effects of Calcium Propionate on oxidative stress and breast carcinogenesis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801933/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Calcium Propionate. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/food-additives/en/
- European Food Safety Authority. (n.d.). Safety assessment of the use of Calcium Propionate (E 282) as a food additive. Retrieved from https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5613
- American Council on Science and Health. (n.d.). Propionate, A Common Food Preservative, Alters Our Metabolism. Does That Make It A Disruptor? Retrieved from https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/02/20/propionate-common-food-preservative-alters-our-metabolism-does-make-it-disruptor-12816
- European Food Safety Authority. (n.d.). Safety assessment of the use of Sodium Propionate (E 281) as a food additive. Retrieved from https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5614
- Science Translational Medicine. (n.d.). The short-chain fatty acid propionate increases glucagon and FABP4 production, impairing insulin action in mice and humans. Retrieved from https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/9/416/eaaf5238
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. (n.d.). Chemical Cuisine. Retrieved from https://cspinet.org/reports/chemicalcuisine/ (for Propionate Acid)
- Science Translational Medicine. (n.d.). The short-chain fatty acid propionate increases glucagon and FABP4 production, impairing insulin action in mice and humans. Retrieved from https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/9/416/eaaf5238 (for Propionate Acid)
- Dilauryl Thiodipropionate and Thiodipropionic Acid information not explicitly mentioned in provided bullet points.
The interest in health-and-wellness sometimes extends to one's lifestyle choices, including food-and-drink. In this realm, the impact of food additives like Calcium Propionate on nutrition and overall health becomes relevant. While the FDA finds Calcium Propionate generally safe, research suggests it might affect gut health and trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals [3][6]. Moreover, the long-term effects of synthetic additives like Calcium Propionate are not fully understood, raising questions about their role in health-and-wellness and nutrition [4][7].
