Origin
For industrial use, huge quantities of brown algae are harvested from the seabed with specially equipped ships. They are then cleaned and subjected to a drying process. The alginic acid is finally extracted from the dried algae using diluted soda lye.
Usage
The food additive E 400 gives foods a firm or jelly-like consistency. E 400 is generally approved for use in foods and is used, for example, in the following products: pudding powder, jam, preserves, jelly, fillings for baked goods, aspic, ice cream. E 400 is also frequently found in diet and calorie-reduced products.
Risks
Alginic acid is considered completely harmless. E 400 is not absorbed by the human body. However, E 400 can prevent the absorption of certain trace elements such as iron or calcium - but only if E 400 were to be consumed in large quantities.