Potassium Alginate

Synonyms: Alginic acid, potassium salt; E402; Improved Kelmar; potassium polymannuronate.

Description: Potassium alginate occurs as a white to yellowish, fibrous or granular powder; it is almost odorless and tasteless.

Chemical Name: Potassium alginate

Emulsifying agent; stabilizing agent; suspending agent; thickening agent.

• Potassium alginate is widely used in foods as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier; however, its use as a pharmaceutical excipient is currently limited to experimental hydrogel systems.

• The viscosity, adhesiveness, elasticity, stiffness, and cohesiveness of potassium alginate hydrogels have been determined and compared with values from a range of other hydrogel-forming materials.

• The effect of calcium ions on the rheological properties of procyanidin hydrogels containing potassium alginate and intended for oral administration has also been investigated.

Incompatible with strong oxidizers.

Potassium alginate is widely used in food products. It is currently used as an excipient only in experimental pharmaceutical formulations.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. When heated to decomposition, potassium alginate emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. Potassium alginate may be irritant to the skin, eyes and lungs. Gloves, eye protection, suitable protective clothing, and respiratory equipment should be worn

Alginic acid; ammonium alginate; calcium alginate; propylene glycol alginate; sodium alginate.