| Essence |
Calcium Lactate or E327 is the Calcium Salt of Lactic Acid that presents itself as a white or off-white crystalline powder which has no smell and has a slightly bitter taste, and is used as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, leavening agent, firming agent, and more in food, but also used in supplement, medicine, agriculture, textiles, and other industries. |
| Names |
Lactic Acid Calcium Salt, Calcium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Calcium 2-hydroxypropionate, Sour calcium, Calcium di-lactate, Bioplus 2B, Calcilactate, E327, Calcium Lactate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Most commonly, Lactose or Glucose but there are other options as well. |
| Manufacturing |
The process is extremely similar to how Sodium Lactate (E325) and Potassium Lactate (E326) are being made. So, first, it’s all about fermentation to create Lactic Acid. This is achieved by using bacteria such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii on the Lactose or Glucose. The next step is to do a neutralization. This is done by mixing the created Lactic Acid with Calcium Carbonate (a naturally occurring mineral in rocks, shells, and skeletons of marine animals) or Calcium Hydroxide (a mixture of water and Calcium Oxide). The result of that creates Calcium Lactate and water which is then purified by filtration or evaporation. Finally, it undergoes drying. This removes water and creates a fine powder of the substance. |
| Application |
Preservative, acidity regulator (pH regulator), firming agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, leavening agent, texturizer, thickener, flavor enhancer. It’s highly water-soluble, even more so if the temperature is increased. It is also soluble in alcohol. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
None determined. |
| Side Effects |
Consuming high amounts can lead to digestive issues, such as gas, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and similar which typically are temporary. Additionally, it can interfere with antibiotics and thyroid medications. Allergic reactions can also occur but are not typical (this might lead to swelling, itching, rash, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. |
| Benefits |
It can have some benefits due to its Calcium contents in the substance. For example, it can promote bone health, aid, dental health, boost muscle and nerve function, improve cardiovascular health, and more. |
| Studies |
575+ studies on Pubmed. 30+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None (the supposed milk molecules should not but may induce Dairy-related allergies). |
| Diet Restrictions |
It may or may not be vegan (this will all depend on the fermentation process to acquire Lactic Acid). Other than that, there are no diet restrictions. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Fully Harmless. | Hence, it’s a Category 1 Additive. |
| Products |
Calcium lactate (E327) can be found in processed foods like yogurts, crackers, baked beans, salted peanuts, sausages, kimchi, aloe vera juices and other fruit juices, olives, gummi candy and other candy, quick soups, bolognese sauces, bacon, pies, superfood drinks, ham, chicken breasts, fillets, veggie crisps and other crisps, raw duck meat, premade turkey-related dishes, beers, cheese, cookies, seasonings, jams, tuna spreads and other spreads, desserts, rice cakes, meat-free hot dogs, soft drinks, lasagnas, salads, wraps, chips, veggie nuggets, cupcakes, houmous, chocolate snacks, pizzas, energy drinks, premade pasta-related foods, protein drinks, deli meats, and more. |
