What is Potassium Lactate?
- Potassium lactate falls under the functional classes of acidity regulators and antioxidants. The compound potassium lactate (the potassium salt of lactic acid) is created when lactic acid is neutralized. It's regarded as a natural acid formed through bacteria within foods that have fermented. This process generally commences via a source of sugar. Potassium lactate is also manufactured by various food companies for the benefit and preservation of their products.
- Potassium lactate and other lactates operate as preservatives against various molds and yeast. By augmenting the permanence of anti-oxidants they're able to stop particular products from drying up. It's found in many types processed foods; used as a pH adjusting ingredient or a fermentation enhancer. This additive can be included by itself or used in different combinations of food conservation techniques. Preservatives of this nature that are regularly used include: sodium nitrate, sulfur dioxide, calcium propionate, formaldehyde and ethanol.
- The Codex Alimentarius Commission establishes the circumstances by which food additives are allowed to be used. The "Codex General Standard for Food Additives" (known as the GSFA), maintains a searchable database that can be accessed online. Its website includes all of the requirements and data pertaining to the food additives recognized by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- The advantages and safety of synthetic food additives is a topic that's continually discussed and brought into question. Various healthcare practitioners (such as dietitians and nutritionists) and other professionals in the food and toxicology disciplines, question the potential side effects of such additives and their acceptable daily intake. Although there is no specific limit regarding their consumption, some people feel that lactates are good for babies and children. The reasoning behind this stems from the belief that the above groups do not have the necessary enzymes in order to metabolize different types of lactate.
- It's worth noting that potassium lactate and other lactates don't pose any dietary restrictions and can be utilized by every religious group as well as those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Even though the word "lactic" refers to milk, it doesn't contain milk (and is not made from it). Thus, individuals who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies can consume it without problem.
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