Glycine and its sodium salts – a food additive used as a flavor and aroma enhancer. Registered under code E-640.

Refers to non-essential amino acids. According to modern data, it is a central neurotransmitter (transmitter of nervous excitation) of an inhibitory type of action. Has a calming effect on the central nervous system.

Many studies have been conducted to identify harm E-640. Based on the results, it was found that the additive is safe for human health. In this regard, its use is officially permitted not only in Russia and Ukraine, but also in most EU countries.

Application

In the food industry, glycine is used as a taste and odor modifier for certain types of drinks, most often alcoholic ones.

Widely used in medicine as sedative, improving sleep.

In addition to the food industry, taste enhancer properties E-640 glycine and its sodium salts have great importance for peptide synthesis. Thus, when mixed with other amino acids, it is used for parenteral nutrition - when a person is not able to take food on his own, nutrients by intravenous infusion bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Effect on the human body

The harm of a food flavor enhancer can make itself felt only in isolated cases, causing allergic reactions in sensitive people. Basically, the benefits of this supplement exceed what is possible. Negative influence on the body. Glycine and its sodium salts play the role of a regulator of metabolic processes in the body.

Glycine is the main active substance in the sedative medicine of the same name.

effects of glycine on the body

• activates protective inhibition of the central nervous system;
• reduces emotional and mental stress;
• has a positive effect on mental activity;
• improves mood;
• normalizes sleep rhythm;
• reduces the toxic and destructive effects of alcohol on the nervous system.

  Physicochemical properties of glycine

  Externally, the substance appears as small crystals or crystal-like powder. The food additive has no color or odor. Melting point 232-236C. Physical properties food flavor enhancer E-640 glycine and its sodium salts allow it to completely dissolve in water. However, it is practically insoluble in alcohol and ether.

Glycine is naturally found in all living organisms. In addition, this substance is included in complex composition protein molecules. Get the necessary connection in industrial scale as a result of the interaction of chlorine acetic acid with ammonia.

The article describes the food additive (taste and aroma modifier) ​​glycine (E640, aminoacetic acid, aminoethanoic acid, glycol), its use, effect on the body, harm and benefit, composition, consumer reviews
Other names for the additive: 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 a dietary supplement E640. The compound is also known as aminoethanoic acid, glycocol. Glycine is crystals that are highly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.

The substance performs significant functions for the human body biological functions; on an industrial scale for a long time used as a developer in photography. Currently it is famous medicine and component cosmetics.

Isolating amino acids from natural proteins is a long and expensive process; It is not advisable to implement it on an industrial scale. Glycine is obtained organic synthesis from acetic acid, then subjected to thorough cleaning. The sodium salt of aminoacetic acid has high solubility, is obtained by neutralization, and is also used in food technologies.

Glycine, E640 – effects on the body, harm or benefit?

E640 – safe supplement, characteristic of the human body. Aminoacetic acid is involved in general protein metabolism, is well utilized, and is a precursor to compounds involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids. According to indications, glycine is prescribed as medicinal product persons of all categories, including pregnant women. Aminoethanoic acid improves sleep, normalizes emotional condition person

Glycine actively nourishes nerve cells, thus stimulating the functioning of the brain and the entire body as a whole. The sodium salt of aminoacetic acid dissolves in gastric juice with the formation of glycine and a certain amount of sodium ions. They are also well absorbed without causing negative consequences.

Glycine and its sodium salt are included in cosmetic products, serving as a stimulator of metabolic processes and a carrier of other active components.

With an excessive intake of E640 compounds, individual allergic reactions may occur, which in practice is extremely rare. The E640 supplement is approved for use in many countries without any daily dosage limitation.

Food additive E640, aminoacetic acid – use in food products

Glycine and its sodium salt enhance taste and aroma 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 E. coli, the E640 additive is used in the production of meat and fish products. Glycine and its sodium salt are present in elite varieties of vodka. It is added to neutralize the smell of fusel oils and improve taste qualities, reducing unpleasant hangover sensations among lovers alcoholic drinks.

Widely used not only in Food Industry, but also in the pharmaceutical field there is a food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts. 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 possible harm food flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts have been found to be safe for human health. 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 differ in their crystalline form (small crystals or crystal-like powder) and 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 completely dissolve 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 part of the complex composition of protein molecules. The required compound is obtained on an industrial scale by reacting chloroacetic acid with ammonia.

In the food industry, glycine is used, as a rule, as a taste and odor modifier for certain types of drinks, most often alcoholic ones. In certain types of products, E640 can play the role of a carrier of beneficial substances. As is known, some complexes and compounds, such as ferrous sulfate and glycine, take part in the process of salt enrichment necessary ions iron, 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 flavor enhancer E640 Glycine and its sodium salts are important for peptide synthesis. Thus, when mixed with other amino acids, it is used for parenteral nutrition - when a person is not able to eat food on his own, nutrients are introduced into his body by intravenous infusion, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Harm of 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 salt can make itself felt in in rare cases, causing allergic reactions in sensitive people. Basically, 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 capable of triggering protective inhibition of the central nervous system, reducing emotional and mental stress, as well as 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 reacting ammonia and chloroacetic acid. The output is a white or transparent crystalline powder with a main substance content of at least 98.5%.

Basic properties of the substance:

• sweetish taste;
• no odor;
• good solubility in glycerin and water, partial solubility 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 one index E640 and represent an additive that optimizes the taste and aroma of products.

Purpose

E640 optimizes the aroma and taste of products. When used in alcoholic beverages, the substance softens the taste 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 tastes of table salt, which contains biologically useful material. E640 increases nutritional value fruit and vegetable juices, emphasizes the taste and smell of jams and preserves. Glycine and its sodium salt are involved in the processing of fish and meat, acting as an antibacterial component.

Included medical supplies E640 struggles with nervous tension, normalizes the psycho-emotional state, improves memory and improves sleep. Cosmetology uses the additive as a thickener, moisturizer and antioxidant.

Effect on the human body: benefits and harms

Glycine and its salt are a safe food additive. It is well absorbed and does not accumulate in tissues. There may be a health hazard if individual intolerance or excess consumption.

Glycine regulates metabolic processes, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Lack of the substance reduces performance, disrupts sleep, leads to fatigue and depression.

Positive effects of aminoacetic acid:

• reduces stress, anxiety, emotional tension, aggressiveness;
• improves sleep;
• normalizes metabolism;
• increases performance;
• improves mood;
• reduces the desire to drink alcohol and sweets;
• weakens the manifestation side effects from taking psychotropic drugs.

In case of individual intolerance, the additive may provoke allergic reactions. Excessive use substances threaten arrhythmia and increased fatigue. Impurities in E640 may pose a potential hazard if the manufacturing process is not carried out properly.

Application

In the food industry, E640 optimizes the taste and aroma of products, promotes biological transportation active substances and acts as an antibacterial component. The additive is often present in liqueur drinks and luxury vodka. Glycine is believed to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and prevent severe hangovers.

E640 is added to the following products:

• alcoholic drinks;
• juices with pulp;
• jam and preserves;
• salt (enriched with useful substances);
• jelly, marmalade;
• fortified drinks for athletes;
• sauces, spices;
• seasonings

E640 effectively neutralizes Escherichia Coli. This property is used for processing 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 anti-aging drugs, lipsticks, medicated shampoos, moisturizing creams, cleansing toners, 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 help with:

• sleep disorders;
• memory impairment;
• decreased performance (including mental);
• stress, neuroses, emotional tension;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• muscle cramps;
• ischemia;
• emotional instability;
• addiction to alcohol and drugs;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• drug intoxication.

Preparations with glycine can be prescribed to children who have difficulty concentrating and adapting to society. The substance helps pregnant women cope with anxiety, fatigue, depression and sleep problems.

Glycine and its sodium salt are added to products in accordance with established by law norms. SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 dated May 26, 2008 states that the maximum level of E640 content in products is determined according to technical regulations.

Legislation

The use of this additive is permitted in almost all countries. Russian legislation regulates E640 in food products based on SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 dated May 26, 2008:

• clause 3.14.1. Hygienic regulations for the use of food additives that enhance and modify the taste and aroma of a 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."

More information about glycine is described in the video below.

Which performs important biological functions in living organisms, participates in protein biosynthesis, is responsible for the normal activity of the nervous system and regulates metabolic processes. Aminoacetic acid, derived artificially, is used in pharmaceuticals, medicine and the food industry.

Food supplement E640 combines aminoacetic acid (glycine) and its sodium salt under one marking number - compounds that are used to optimize the taste and aroma of products. The supplement is safe and officially approved in most countries of the world.

Glycine and its sodium salt: general information

Glycine, also known as aminoacetic or aminoethanoic acid, belongs to the family nonessential amino acids– the simplest organic structures that are part of proteins and their compounds. The substance, obtained artificially, is a colorless, odorless powder and has a sweetish taste.

On an industrial scale, glycine is produced by combining chloroacetic acid and ammonia. Aminoacetic acid, in turn, has the property of forming complex salts (glycinates) with metal ions.

Sodium glycinate is a salt of sodium and aminoacetic acid, which is also a substance of synthetic origin. Despite the fact that glycine and its salt are different chemical compounds, in the food industry they perform identical functions as taste and aroma modifiers, are combined under one label number and are considered as additive E640.

Biological role of glycine and its sources

Glycine is found in protein molecules much more often than other amino acids and performs important biological functions. In the human body, this amino acid is synthesized by transamination (reversible transfer of the amino group) of glyoxylate or enzymatic cleavage of choline and serine.

Aminoacetic acid is a precursor of porphyrins and purines, the biosynthesis of which occurs in living cells, however biological role This connection is not limited to these functions. Glycine is also a neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, regulates the production of other amino acids and has an “inhibitory” effect on neurons and motor neurons.

Organism healthy person independently synthesizes amino acids into required quantities, therefore the need for their use in the composition medicines and biologically active additives, as a rule, is absent. Food sources aminoacetic acid are products of animal origin ( beef liver and), nuts and some fruits.

The effect of glycine and its sodium salt on the human body

Aminoacetic acid acts as a neurotransmitter regulatory functions and affects primarily the central and peripheral nervous system. Glycine has nootropic properties, normalizes metabolism, activates protective functions Central nervous system and has a mild sedative effect.

Positive effects of glycine on the human body:

• decline emotional stress, anxiety, stress, aggressiveness;
• improved mood and normalization of sleep;
• relaxation of muscles and relief of cramps;
• increased performance;
• reducing the side effects of taking psychotropic drugs;
• reducing the severity of vegetative-vascular disorders;
• reducing cravings for alcohol and sweets.

As part of the E640 supplement, glycine and its salt do not have the above properties and have neither positive nor negative effects on the human body when consumed within normal limits. The food additive does not pose a threat to health, but in case of individual intolerance it can provoke an allergic reaction.

Impurities in the additive and low-quality food products, in the production of which taste and aroma optimizers are used, can pose a potential danger.

Application of glycine and its sodium salt

The applications of glycine and sodium glycinate are limited mainly to the food industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals. However, aminoacetic acid has also found application in the cosmetics industry due to its hypoallergenicity and antioxidant effect.

Cosmetic products containing the additive E640:

• medicated shampoos for weakened hair and anti-baldness products;
• anti-aging cosmetics, moisturizing creams and masks for all skin types;
• cleansing serums and toners;
• lipsticks and balms.

Crushed glycine tablets can be used to make homemade skin care products and added to moisturizing masks and creams. Aminoacetic acid promotes the penetration of valuable nutritional components into the deep layers of the dermis and enhances the effect of medicinal cosmetics.

Additive E640 in the food industry

Glycine and sodium glycinate are actively used in technological processes production of alcoholic beverages. The E640 additive, in particular, is included in elite vodka, which allows you to neutralize bad smell and soften the harsh taste. There is also an opinion that the presence of glycine in alcoholic beverages helps reduce toxic effect alcohol on the nervous system and prevents hangover.

Food products that contain the E640 additive:

• strong alcoholic drinks;
• jams, preserves, jellies, ;
• packaged juices with pulp;
• enriched cooking;
• sports fortified drinks;
• sauces, seasonings and spices.

Aminoacetic acid is used not only to optimize taste and transport biologically active substances, but also as antibacterial agent. In particular, it is used to treat meat, fish and seafood to neutralize dangerous E. coli.

Medical use

Glycine is actively used for the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with central and peripheral nervous system. This substance is part of pharmaceuticals nootropic, sedative, anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects, has a weak antidepressant and tranquilizing effect.

Medical indications for the use of aminoacetic acid as a medicine:

• reduced mental performance, sleep and memory disorders;
• emotional stress, stressful situations, neuroses;
• emotional instability and increased excitability;
• consequences of ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury and neuroinfections;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia, ischemia;
• increased muscle tone, muscle cramps;
• alcohol and drug addiction, toxic effects of drugs that depress the central nervous system.

It has been proven that consuming 3 g of glycine per day has a positive effect on mental capacity and the general emotional state of a person, relieves drowsiness in daytime and normalizes night sleep. The drug is also prescribed to pregnant women to reduce anxiety, children and adolescents who have difficulty with social adaptation and concentration.

Additive E640 and legislation

The taste and smell optimizer E640 is used in food production in most countries of the world, but there is no information about the additive in the Codex Alimentarius. There have been no cases of glycine and sodium glycinate poisoning when consumed as food, so the E640 modifier is considered safe.

The additive is included in the list of officially approved products for use in the food industry in the European Union, USA and Canada. Legislation Russian Federation and Belarus also allows the presence of E640 in products within the limits acceptable standards, established by SanPiN. There is no data on the use of E640 as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent in Ukraine.

Despite the fact that glycine and its salt do not have a toxic effect on the human body and are approved for use, products containing E640 can hardly be called useful. Most flavorings and aromas are used to attract the buyer's attention to low-quality products, the use of which should be minimized.