Humectant 451 or INS 451(i) is a food additive that is used in food to retain moisture in it. It is used both in powdered and liquid form. Disodium phosphate and monosodium phosphate mix to form a powdered substance. It has water holding capacity and helps in retaining a great texture.
Humectants are also the central part of many cosmetics like soaps, moisturizers, and shampoos. Seafood is also kept fresh with the use of these regulators. It has extensive usage and comes in various types. It’s the only preservative gaining equal popularity for edible and non-edible products. Other names for Humectant 451 are Sodium triphosphate, INS 451, and pentasodium phosphate. Let’s get some more in-depth knowledge of it below.
Table of Contents
Practical Uses Of Humectant 451
- All kinds of frozen or stored seafood and meat use this to a great extent.
- Other ready to eat products are pudding, curd, whipped creams, cheese, and sour creams. They also have this mixing agent.
- Humectant used in cakes and bread to offers them the desired texture and volume.
- It is essential to add them in minimal proportions, or they might hamper the taste of your food.
- Humectant 451 is the only food additive which has the most usage of natural and synthetic forms.
Also Read: Seven Additives You Don’t Need To Worry About
Features of Humectant 451
This food additive is excellent in water retention. It can manage pH levels by retaining a subtle amount of moisture in the food item. Cooking and processing of meats, seafood, or poultry items must use this additive. Also, it retains the natural minerals and protein levels of your food. The best part of this agent is it does not shrink in the pan and maintains solubility. This can work wonders for processed and packaged seafood items.
Salt and sugar stand as the oldest natural humectant for most of the food ingredients. Other alternatives used include glycerol, sorbitol, and propylene glycol.
Side-Effects Of Humectant 451
Few people might experience allergies or side-effects after consuming this artificial additive. Mild nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting are few common problems associated with this. When used in the form of soaps, high pH levels might result in premature aging or decreased bone density. But, this is very rarely observed. Still, in case of any allergic reaction, get in immediate touch with your medical health care expert.
Why Use Humectant 451 As A Food Additive?
Food additives refer to any mixing agent added in a very less amount. It helps to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of any food item. It helps in improving the safety of any food item by restricting micro-organisms’ growth in it. The shelf life of most food product increases after controlling oxidation levels.
Important Things To Note
- Any food additive used to make the products must be clearly mentioned on food labels.
- A typical Identification number is there for all emulsifiers and additives. Its name and number are visible at the backside of every pre-packaged food item. Usually catergorized as INS or E.
- All food additives must be there in descending order on your food packet.
Humectant 451 – Natural And Synthetic
Natural Humectants- The basic functioning of a humectant is to derive moisture from its surrounding. Its moisture pulling capacity has made it popular among soap and cream manufacturers. Natural humectants gain importance for usage in beauty and skincare products. They are organic and safe for using on the skin.
Few common natural humectants 451 includes honey, aloe vera, lactic acid, and glycerine. The best part of natural ones is they provide deeper hydration.
- Glycerine is present in soaps and it can be absorbed by the skin.
- Aloe is also an excellent Humectant, and it goes deep through the skin. It ensures hydration at the surface and deep within.
- Honey is also an excellent natural humectant that holds water levels. With its use, your skin can absorb the nutrients and moisture, and make your skin glow.
- Hyaluronic acid is also a part of anti-aging products. It gives a tighter appearance to your skin free from lines and wrinkles.
Synthetic Humectants – Synthetic Humectant 451 is a cheaper option for natural ones. It has a similar working like them. The primary function of this humectant is the removal of water from deeper levels. That, too, without causing any damage.
Few examples of synthetic humectants are Propylene glycol, Peg, Silicone, and Urea. These humectants can hydrate your skin for the time being. But, later on, it might cause severe damages like dehydration of skin or other aging disorders.
While comparing both, natural ones might work slow but are a way better as compared to synthetic ones. Searching natural humectants in labels is very important, especially with skin products like serums and moisturizers.
Conclusion
Everything from food to the skin can stay hydrated and retain its moisture with the help of Humectant 451. Seafood, cakes, sauces, and cheesy dips would turn tasteless without using food additives.
Humectant 451 plays an essential role as a food additive. It is also an essential hydrating agent in skincare products. They get divided into natural and synthetic ones. Natural humectants might fall quite heavy on pockets but have great results. Synthetic Humectant 451 can give great short term results and are not suitable for long term use.