Sorbitan monooleate
Sorbitan monooleate is an emulsifier used in the food industry and for pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. It is also approved as a food additive under the number E 494. But what is sorbitan monooleate and how does it affect your dog? In this article, you can find out more about this ingredient and its advantages and disadvantages.
What is sorbitan monooleate?
Sorbitan monooleate is an ester of sorbitol or 1,4-sorbitan hydride (sorbitan for short) with a fatty acid, mainly oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol obtained from glucose. Oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid are unsaturated or saturated fatty acids found in vegetable and animal oils.
Sorbitan monooleate has the property that it can bind water and fat together. This makes it a good emulsifier that prevents a mixture of these two phases from separating again. Emulsifiers are used, for example, to improve the consistency and appearance of food or to stabilize active ingredients in pharmaceutical or cosmetic products.
Where is sorbitan monooleate used?
Sorbitan monooleate is used in various areas, for example:
- In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier for certain foods such as various baked goods, ice cream, desserts, sugar products and beverage whiteners. It is approved in the EU as a food additive under the number E 494. The permitted daily dose is 5 mg/kg body weight per day.
- In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an emulsifier for ointments, creams, gels or sprays to improve the distribution and release of active ingredients. It can also increase skin hydration or strengthen the skin barrier.
- In cosmetics, it is used as an emulsifier for lotions, shampoos, conditioners or make-up to improve the texture and feel on the skin or hair. It can also enhance the skin care properties of other ingredients or extend the shelf life of products.
What are the benefits of sorbitan monooleate?
Sorbitan monooleate has several benefits as an emulsifier, for example:
- It is a natural substance derived from plant or animal sources. It is therefore not a synthetic or artificial additive.
- It is a non-ionic surfactant, which means it has no electrical charge. This makes it more compatible with other ingredients and less susceptible to changes in pH or temperature.
- It has a low HLB value of 4.3, which means that it is more fat-loving than water-loving. This makes it suitable for the production of water-in-oil emulsions that have a rich and smooth texture.
What are the disadvantages of sorbitan monooleate?
Sorbitan monooleate also has some disadvantages as an emulsifier, for example:
- It can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people or animals with a hypersensitivity to sorbitol or other sugar alcohols. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching, swelling or breathing difficulties.
- It can affect the absorption of other ingredients, especially fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E or K. This can lead to a deficiency or overdose of these vitamins, depending on how much sorbitan monooleate is used and how often it is used.
- It can disrupt the intestinal flora, especially in dogs that have a sensitive digestive system. This can lead to diarrhea, flatulence or abdominal pain.
Sorbitan monooleate is an emulsifier used in the food industry and for pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. It is a natural substance consisting of sorbitol and fatty acids. It has some advantages, such as good stability and a rich texture, but also some disadvantages, such as allergic reactions, vitamin absorption disorders or intestinal problems. If you use sorbitan monooleate for your dog, you should always pay attention to the dosage and watch out for possible side effects.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊