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Sodium Alginate

Also known as: E401

Low concern

Sodium alginate is FDA GRAS and authorized in the EU. Derived from seaweed, it is poorly absorbed and considered safe.

Found in

6,787 products

E-number

E401

Type

carrier, emulsifier, humectant, sequestrant, stabiliser, thickener

What it is

Sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae).

Thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer, emulsifier; forms gels with calcium ions.

Why it's flagged

mild gastrointestinal effects at very high intake

What regulators actually say

"Sodium alginate (CAS Reg. No. 9005-38-3) is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural polyuronide constituent of certain brown algae... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."

21 CFR 184.1724 - Sodium alginate — ecfr.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1724.

European Union — EFSA

Authorized as E401; group ADI 'not specified' (JECFA).

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