Sodium alginate

Sodium Alginate Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance) What is it? Sodium alginate, also known as algin, is a carbohydrate product of a seaweed, Macrocystis pyrifera. Sodium alginate is used as a gel in pharmaceutical preparations. Sodium Alginate (E401) is extracted from brown seaweed. It is also used as a stabilizer, thickener and emulsifier for food products such as ice cream, yogurt, cream, and cheese. It acts as a thickener and emulsifier for salad, pudding, jam, tomato juice, and canned products. It is a hydration agent for noodles, bread, cool and frozen products. It is a cold gelling agent that needs no heat to gel. It is most commonly used with calcium lactate or calcium chloride in the spherification process. [ [ List of medications using Sodium Alginate • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • References • Drugs.com Algin. Accessed March 1, 2015 at http://www.drugs.com/dict/algin.html • Modernist Pantry. Sodium alginate. Accessed March 1, 2015 at http://www.modernistpantry.com/sodium-alginate.html Further information Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

• What are alginates? Alginates are edible compounds derived from brown algae. When exposed to liquids, alginates become gels and expand. In supplements, foods, and drugs, the most common forms of alginates are aliginic acid and sodium alginate (see • Are alginates effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Alginates have been clinically shown to be more effective than antacids in treating symptoms of GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease) such as heartburn (acid in the esophagus), regurgitation, and indigestion. Alginates appear to work by forming a floating physical gel barrier that protects the upper part of the stomach and lower esophagus (see Be aware that • What did ConsumerLab's tests of alginate products show? ConsumerLab tested alginate supplements (including chews, capsules, and a liquid gel) to determine if they actually contained their claimed alginates and were not contaminated with excessive amounts of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and arsenic). Although all products were found to contain the types of alginates they listed, one slightly exceeded a strict limit on lead contamination - possibly due to other ingredients in the product (see Interestingly, ConsumerLab found that the cost to get a significant dose of alginate (500 mg of alginic acid) ranged from 35 cents to nearly 5 times as much -- $1.61. • Which are the best alginate supplements? Among products that were Approved for quality in CL's tests, CL selected two Top Picks --...