Food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts are widely used not only in the food industry, but also in the field of pharmaceuticals. This additive is also known under other names: aminoethanoic acid, aminoacetic acid, Gly, glycocol and glycine. This substance can be used not only as an aroma and taste enhancer, but also as a carrier, as well as a nutrient medium for beneficial microorganisms.
As a result of a large number of studies that were aimed at identifying the possible harm of the food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salt for human health, it was found that the additive is safe. That is why its use is not officially prohibited not only in Russia and Ukraine, but also in a number of EU countries.
Externally, glycine and its sodium salts are distinguished by their crystalline form (small crystals or crystal-like powder) and at the same time have neither color nor odor. The melting point of this chemical compound is considered to be 232-236C. The physical properties of the food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts allow the substance to dissolve completely in water, but it is practically incapable of dissolving in alcohol and ether.
In nature, food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts are found in all living organisms. In addition, this substance is included in the complex composition of protein molecules. The necessary compound is obtained on an industrial scale as a result of the interaction of chloroacetic acid with ammonia.
In the field of food production, glycine is used, as a rule, as a modifier of the taste and smell of certain types of drinks, most often alcoholic ones. As part of certain varieties of products, E640 can play the role of a carrier of useful substances. As you know, some complexes and compounds, such as ferrous sulfate and glycine, take part in the process of enriching salt with the necessary iron ions, while the compound of glycine and calcium is often used to enrich drinks with an important element for humans - calcium.
In addition to the food industry, the properties of the E640 flavor enhancer Glycine and its sodium salts are important for peptide synthesis. So, when mixed with other amino acids, it is used for parenteral nutrition - when a person is not able to eat on his own, nutrients are introduced into the body by intravenous infusion, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
Harm of the food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts
It has been proven that the harm of the food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts can make itself felt in rare cases, causing allergic reactions in sensitive people. In general, the benefits of this supplement outweigh the possible negative effects on the human body.
Glycine and its sodium salts play the role of a regulator of metabolic processes in the body. This substance is able to activate protective inhibition of the central nervous system, reducing emotional and mental stress, and also having a positive effect on mental activity.
general characteristics
Glycine is an aliphatic amino acid. Present in proteins and their compounds of all living organisms. For industrial purposes, it is produced by the interaction of ammonia and chloroacetic acid. The output is a white or transparent crystalline powder with a basic substance content of at least 98.5%.
The main properties of the substance:
- sweetish taste;
- lack of smell;
- good solubility in glycerin and water, partial - in alcohols;
- resistance to alkaline and acidic environments;
- density - 1.607 g / cm³;
- insolubility in acetone and ethers;
- melting point - above 232-236º C.
Glycine and its salt are different components, but they are combined under the same E640 index and are an additive that optimizes the taste and aroma of products.
Purpose
E640 optimizes the aroma and taste of products. As part of alcoholic beverages, the substance makes the taste softer and eliminates the smell of fusel oils. The supplement also alleviates the effects of a hangover. It combines with the dangerous toxin acetaldehyde, which is formed after the breakdown of ethanol, and turns it into useful acetylglycine. The latter is involved in the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and hormones.
The additive eliminates extraneous flavors of table salt, which contains biologically useful substances. E640 increases the nutritional value of fruit and vegetable juices, emphasizes the taste and smell of jams and marmalades. Glycine and its sodium salt are involved in the processing of fish and meat, acting as an antibacterial component.
As part of medical preparations, E640 fights nervous tension, normalizes the psycho-emotional state, improves memory and improves sleep. Cosmetology uses the additive as a thickener, moisturizing agent and antioxidant.
Impact on the human body: benefits and harms
Glycine and its salt is a safe food supplement. It is well absorbed and does not accumulate in tissues. A health hazard may be in case of individual intolerance or excessive consumption.
Glycine regulates metabolic processes, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Lack of substance reduces efficiency, disrupts sleep, leads to fatigue and depressive states.
The positive effect of aminoacetic acid:
- reduces stress, anxiety, emotional stress, aggressiveness;
- improves sleep;
- normalizes metabolism;
- increases efficiency;
- improves mood;
- reduces the desire to drink alcohol and sweets;
- weakens the manifestation of side effects from taking psychotropic drugs.
In case of individual intolerance, the supplement can provoke allergic reactions. Excessive use of the substance threatens arrhythmia and increased fatigue. Impurities in the composition of E640 can be a potential hazard if the manufacturing process has been carried out improperly.
Application
In the food industry, E640 optimizes the taste and aroma of products, promotes the transport of biologically active substances and acts as an antibacterial component. The additive is often present in alcoholic beverages and elite vodka. Glycine is believed to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and prevent severe hangovers.
E640 is added to such products:
- alcoholic drinks;
- juices with pulp;
- jam and jam;
- salt (enriched with useful substances);
- jelly, marmalade;
- fortified drinks for athletes;
- sauces, spices;
- seasonings.
E640 effectively neutralizes E. coli Escherichia Coli. This property is used to process fish, seafood and meat. Glycine and its sodium salt are added to many cosmetics because it has antioxidant and hypoallergenic properties. The additive is present in the composition of anti-aging drugs, lipsticks, medicated shampoos, moisturizers, cleansing tonics, face masks.
Medicine uses E640 in the manufacture of drugs for the nervous system. The substance is introduced into drugs with sedative, nootropic, anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects.
Glycine and its salt helps with:
- sleep disorders;
- memory impairment;
- decreased performance (including mental);
- stress, neurosis, emotional stress;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- muscle cramps;
- ischemia;
- emotional instability;
- dependence on alcohol and drugs;
- craniocerebral injuries;
- drug intoxication.
Preparations with glycine can be prescribed to children who find it difficult to concentrate and adapt in society. For pregnant women, the substance helps to cope with anxiety, fatigue, depression and sleep problems.
Glycine and its sodium salt are added to products in accordance with the norms established by law. SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 of May 26, 2008 states that the maximum level of E640 in products is determined according to TI.
Legislation
The use of this additive is allowed in almost all countries. Russian legislation regulates E640 in food products based on SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 of 05/26/2008:
- clause 3.14.1. Hygienic regulations for the use of food additives that enhance and modify the taste and aroma of the food product;
- clause 3.16.18. Hygienic regulations for the use of filler carriers and filler solvents;
- the use of E640 is provided for by GOST R 54380-2011 "Food additives. Enhancers of taste and aroma of food products. Terms and definitions."
Learn more about glycine in the video below.
The group of food additives, which, due to their properties, help to improve the taste of products and significantly enhance their aroma, also includes a substance with the marking index E 640.
According to European standards, the additive includes glycine, as well as its sodium salt. Although in other guests these are two different substances.
Among the additives in this group, E 640 stands out for its minimal level of danger. On the contrary, it is very useful. The substance belongs to a number of non-essential amino acids.
It has been proven that this amino acid has a positive effect on the nervous system, improves memory and restores brain activity.
Origin: synthetic;
Danger:minimum level, dangerous only in excess use;
Synonymous names:E 640, Glycine and its sodium salt, glycocol, aminoethanoic acid, aminoacetic acid, Glycine, Gly, E-640, Glycine and iogo sodium salt, glycocol, aminoethanoic acid, aminooctic acid.
general information
Natural sources containing glycine are nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts). There is this substance in apricots and bananas. Quail eggs and beef liver are rich in this component. Aminoacetic acid, also called E-640, is present in the composition of protein molecules. In fact, all living organisms have glycine.
Industrial production of E 640 involves the interaction of certain components, namely ammonia and chloroacetic acid, which results in a high-quality product. Its purity reaches a maximum of 99.5%.
Externally, the product is a crystalline crumbly powder. It is usually white in color and has a sweet taste. The substance is odorless, with good solubility in glycerin and water. But in relation to ethers and acetone, it shows maximum stability. Average degree of solubility in ethanol. The product is also quite resistant to alkaline and acidic environments.
Effect on the body
Harm
Since the E 640 additive is synthetic in nature, negative effects are possible from its use due to the presence of some undesirable harmful impurities. It can also harm the body indirectly, as some not very honest entrepreneurs and manufacturers mask low-quality products with flavor enhancers, including glycine.
Hypersensitivity to the components of the supplement can cause. Symptoms are expressed in the form of unstable stools, skin rashes, etc. Therefore, people prone to allergies should follow certain rules, that is, limit foods containing E 640 in their diet.
Benefit
Numerous studies prove the benefits of glycine for the body. It is considered the most effective probiotic due to its properties that have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, activating its protective function.
At certain doses, which are set by a medical specialist, the substance is able to normalize sleep, remove excessive nervousness, even out the psycho-emotional state, and improve memory.
The remedy is also widely used in the treatment of medicinal, as well as stroke, head injuries.
Usage
Glycine in the form of additive E 460 is used most often in the alcoholic beverage industry. Thanks to this component, the products of this industry acquire more pronounced taste and aromatic qualities. The additive is part of vodka, as a rule, elite varieties. Thanks to its properties, the taste is softened and unpleasant odors are neutralized.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, E 640 is included in jams and preserves, as well as juices, especially with pulp. It involves the use of glycine and the technology for the production of table salt, as a rule, enriched with useful biological components. In this case, the additive removes the extraneous aftertaste.
The antibacterial properties of glycocol, as the compound is also called, are actively used. Meat and fish treated with this substance safely get rid of the activity of Escherichia coli, a dangerous Escherichia coli.
E 640 is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Creams, masks, tonics, balms, shampoos, anti-aging cosmetics - this is an incomplete list of products that include glycine.
Glycine plays a special role in the field of medicine and pharmacology.
Legislation
Based on the conclusions of experts that indicate the beneficial properties of E 640, the additive is allowed at the legislative level for use in various sectors of human life in almost all countries of the world. The list of permitted E 640 is also in Ukraine, and in the Russian Federation, Belarus and European countries.
The article describes a food additive (taste and aroma modifier) glycine (E640, aminoacetic acid, aminoethanoic acid, glycocol), its use, effects on the body, harm and benefits, composition, consumer reviews
Other additive names: glycine, glycine and its sodium salts, E640, E-640, E-640
Functions performed
flavor and aroma modifier
Legality of use
Ukraine EU Russia
Glycine, E640 - what is it?
Glycine (aminoacetic acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many natural proteins, the synthetic form of which is used as food additive E640. The compound is also known as aminoethanoic acid, glycocol. Glycine is a crystal, highly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.
The substance performs significant biological functions for the human body; on an industrial scale for a long time was used as a developer in photography. Currently, it is a well-known medicine and a component of cosmetics.
Isolation of amino acids from natural proteins is a long and expensive process; it is not feasible to implement it on an industrial scale. Glycine is obtained by organic synthesis from acetic acid, then subjected to thorough purification. The sodium salt of aminoacetic acid has a high solubility, is obtained by neutralization, and is also used in food technologies.
Glycine, E640 - effect on the body, harm or benefit?
E640 is a safe supplement inherent in the human body. Aminoacetic acid is involved in the overall protein metabolism, is well utilized, and is a precursor of compounds involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids. According to indications, glycine is prescribed as a drug for persons of all categories, including pregnant women. Aminoethanoic acid improves sleep, normalizes the emotional state of a person
Glycine actively nourishes nerve cells, thus stimulating the work of the brain and the whole organism. The sodium salt of aminoacetic acid dissolves in gastric juice to form glycine and some sodium ions. They are also well absorbed without causing negative effects.
Glycine, its sodium salt are part of cosmetics, acting as a stimulant of metabolic processes and a carrier of other active ingredients.
With excessive intake of E640 compounds, individual allergic reactions may occur, which in practice is extremely rare. Additive E640 is approved for use in many countries without a daily dose limit.
Food additive E640, aminoacetic acid - use in food
Glycine and its sodium salt enhance the taste and aroma of natural products. E640 is added to fruit juices, jams, vegetable purees, table salt with improved biological properties.
As a substance that inhibits the activity of Escherichia coli, the E640 additive is used in the production of meat and fish products. Glycine and its sodium salt are present in elite vodkas. It is added to neutralize the smell of fusel oils, improve taste, and reduce unpleasant hangovers among lovers of alcoholic beverages.
