Sodium aluminosilicate is a chemical in the form of a fine, white crystalline powder also known as sodium silicoaluminate. The chemical formula for sodium aluminosilicate is AlNa12SiO5. The substance is used in many household products and as the food additive designated E-544.
Silicates
Sodium aluminosilicate, silicone dioxide and many other silicates exist in abundance within the earth's crust, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All life on the planet, both animal and plant and the whole of the water supply contain silicates. They are a part of what we eat every day. It is unknown, however, if they are an essential part of the diet. Sodium aluminosilicate, as a food additive, only accounts for a small portion of the silicates we ingest.
Household Uses
Sodium aluminoilicate is used primarily as an anticaking agent, which prevents lumps from forming in crystalline products. The substance can be found in household air fresheners, latex wall paints and water softeners, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Food Additive
"E-554" is the designated name for aodium aluminosilicate. Used in many common foods, such as table salt, dried milk substitutes and flour, the chemical's purpose is to prevent those foods from clumping. According to the FDA, sodium aluminosilicate is generally regarded as safe as a food additive.
Health Risks
While some sources have claimed that sodium aluminosilicate has been linked to placental problems and Alzheimer's disease, the FDA stands by its findings that the substance should be generally regarded as safe as a food additive. According to FDA findings, the only incident with data to support a possible health risk was a species-related incident of renal damage to rats in studies during the late 1960s.
Other Names
Sodium aluminosilicate is found in many products and is known by many names. Among the other names for the substance are silicic acid, aluminium sodium salt, aluminosilicic acid, sodium salt, sodium aluminium silicate, aluminum sodium silicate, sodium silico aluminate and Sasil.
Tags: food additive, generally regarded, generally regarded safe, regarded safe, regarded safe food