Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Calcium lactate (food additive E327) is a salt of lactic acid and calcium, used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and stabilizer. The primary purpose of additive E327 is to maintain a stable taste and structure of products. In addition, calcium lactate is a source of minerals and can also be used to fortify foods with calcium.
Calcium lactate has a partially natural origin. Lactic acid is produced naturally during the fermentation of sugars, and calcium is a common mineral in nature. However, the pure additive E327 does not occur naturally and is manufactured specifically for food and pharmaceutical applications.
The history of lactate use begins when humans learned to control fermentation processes. Later, scientists found that lactic acid salts are highly stable and considered safe for use in foods. Calcium lactate began to be used as an alternative calcium source that is better absorbed and has no strong taste.
The chemical formula of calcium lactate is C₆H₁₀CaO₆. It is a white or slightly creamy powder without odor, which dissolves well in water. Additive E327 is stable when heated, does not alter the taste of products, and does not participate in undesirable reactions with other ingredients.
For use in the food industry, stabilizer E327 is obtained by neutralizing lactic acid with calcium compounds. Simply put, sugars are first fermented to produce lactic acid, then calcium is added, forming calcium lactate suitable for food use.
Effects on the Body
Benefit of Additive E327
Calcium lactate consists of calcium and lactic acid – components that naturally participate in metabolic processes. Calcium is an essential mineral that supports healthy bones and teeth and is involved in muscle and nervous system function.
In the human body, calcium lactate is well absorbed. The food additive E327 does not irritate the digestive tract and is a good source of calcium. Calcium absorption from lactate is higher than from more common calcium salts such as calcium gluconate.
EFSA evaluated the safety of lactic acid and concluded that, under normal dietary conditions, it does not pose a risk to human health. Since the food additive E327 (calcium lactate) is a salt of lactic acid and is metabolized in the body to the same physiological compounds (lactate and calcium), these conclusions can also be applied to it. Therefore, available scientific data indicate that additive E327 is safe for consumers when used within the permitted levels in foods.
Risks of Additive E327
In the body, calcium lactate is broken down into calcium and lactate, which are then utilized or excreted naturally. Excess calcium, like any mineral, may theoretically create an unwanted load on the body, especially in individuals with mineral metabolism disorders or kidney disease.
However, EFSA did not find evidence of toxicity or adverse effects of calcium lactate when consumed within technologically justified levels. The same position is held by JECFA and FDA, which consider lactic acid salts safe for use in foods.
JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) in its database notes that for calcium lactate the acceptable daily intake is not limited (ADI not limited). This means that, under normal dietary use, no toxic effects are observed, and available scientific data confirm the safety of this compound as a food additive.
The FDA in the United States classifies calcium lactates as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), indicating no confirmed risks to consumers under normal use.
Uses
In the food industry, additive E327 is used as an acidity regulator, stabilizer, and source of calcium. It helps maintain product texture, prevents excessive acidity, and improves nutritional value.
Calcium lactate can be found in beverages, confectionery, fermented dairy products, and some baked goods. It is valued for its neutral taste and good calcium bioavailability.
Moreover, food additive E327 acts as a synergist of antioxidants, enhancing their effects. Because of this, calcium lactate may be added to meat products to improve microbial stability and extend shelf life.
Outside the food industry, calcium lactate is used in medicine to produce calcium-supplementing drugs, as well as in toothpastes and animal feed.
Legal Status
In the European Union, additive E327 is permitted according to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and is included in the list of authorized food additives.
In Ukraine, calcium lactate is allowed under EU-harmonized requirements. In the United States, the additive is permitted by FDA and holds GRAS status. A similar approach applies in Canada, Japan, and other countries where E327 is considered a safe food additive when used according to regulations.
