Food Additives
Calcium Propionate is a white, odorless or slightly propionic acid-smelling powder
Calcium Propionate is a white, odorless or slightly propionic acid-smelling powder that is highly valued for its preservative and nutritional properties. It is widely used in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth and provide calcium supplementation.
Chemical Properties Calcium Propionate has the chemical formula C3H8CaO2 and a molar mass of 116.17 g/mol. It is characterized by its white crystalline appearance and is highly soluble in water, making it easy to incorporate into various products. It is also slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol, but insoluble in acetone and benzene. The compound is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, and it decomposes into calcium carbonate at temperatures between 330°C and 340°C.
Applications
Food Industry:
Preservative: Calcium Propionate is an effective preservative used in a wide range of food products, including bread, pastries, processed meats, and dairy products. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of these products.
Nutritional Supplement: It serves as a source of calcium in foods, enhancing their nutritional value. This is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to increase their calcium intake for better bone health and overall wellness.
Feed Industry:
Mold Inhibitor: In animal feed, Calcium Propionate acts as a mold inhibitor, preventing spoilage and ensuring the safety and quality of feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.
Nutritional Additive: It provides essential calcium and promotes healthy growth in animals. When combined with other inorganic complexes, it can also increase livestock's appetite and milk production in dairy cows.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Calcium Supplementation: Calcium Propionate is used as a calcium supplement in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly for treating calcium deficiency disorders such as osteoporosis. It is also known to enhance immunity and improve muscle strength.
Antifungal Agent: Its antifungal properties make it useful in various pharmaceutical applications, providing an additional layer of protection against microbial contamination.
Safety and Quality Assurance Calcium Propionate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in appropriate amounts. It is approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for use as a food preservative and nutritional additive. However, it is important to follow recommended dosages and guidelines for its use in different applications to avoid potential side effects.
Regulatory Information The use of Calcium Propionate is regulated by various international bodies. For example, the FAO/WHO has set a maximum usage level of 3000 mg/kg in processed cheese, and Japan has set a limit of 2.5 g/kg for its use in bread and pastries. In the United States, the USDA has specified usage guidelines for flour products and pie dough, ensuring its safe and effective application.
In summary, Calcium Propionate is a multifunctional compound with significant applications in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Its ability to serve as both a preservative and a nutritional supplement makes it an invaluable ingredient for enhancing product quality and consumer health.