Sorbitan tristearate
Sorbitan tristearate is a food additive that is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It has the E number E 492 and is also known as Span 65. In this article you will find out what sorbitan tristearate is, how it is produced, what its advantages and disadvantages are and whether it is suitable for dogs.
What is sorbitan tristearate?
Sorbitan tristearate is an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol obtained from glucose. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many vegetable and animal fats. Sorbitol and stearic acid are combined by a chemical reaction in which water is split off.
Sorbitan tristearate is a white to yellowish solid that melts at around 53 °C. It is almost insoluble in water. It is almost insoluble in water, but soluble in many organic solvents. It has a molar mass of 963.54 g/mol and a density of 0.98 g/cm³.
What is sorbitan tristearate used for?
Sorbitan tristearate is mainly used as an emulsifier in the food industry. An emulsifier is a substance that helps to mix two normally immiscible liquids such as oil and water. This creates stable mixtures called emulsions.
Sorbitan tristearate is added in the production of chocolate, for example, to delay the ripening of fat. Fat ripening is a process in which the fat components of the chocolate settle on the surface and form a gray haze. This affects the appearance and taste of the chocolate. Sorbitan tristearate prevents the fat from crystallizing and keeps the chocolate shiny and crisp for longer.
Sorbitan tristearate is also used in other foods such as baked goods, ice cream, desserts, sugar products, cocoa products and beverage whiteners to improve texture, appearance and shelf life.
What are the benefits of sorbitan tristearate?
Sorbitan tristearate has several advantages as a food additive:
- It is heat resistant and can therefore be processed at high temperatures.
- It is stable to oxidation and therefore prevents fats from becoming rancid.
- It is tasteless and therefore does not affect the taste of the food.
- It is biodegradable and therefore does not harm the environment.
What are the disadvantages of sorbitan tristearate?
Sorbitan tristearate also has some disadvantages as a food additive:
- It can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people with a hypersensitivity to sorbitol or stearic acid.
- It can cause digestive problems such as flatulence, diarrhea or constipation.
- It can increase blood sugar levels as it is a sugar alcohol.
- It can increase the calorie content of food as it has a calorific value of 37 kJ/g.
Is sorbitan tristearate suitable for dogs?
Sorbitan tristearate is not suitable for dogs. Dogs have a different metabolism to humans and cannot process sugar alcohols such as sorbitol well. This can lead to hyperacidity of the blood, which can be life-threatening. In addition, dogs cannot tolerate chocolate as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to them. Therefore, dogs should not eat food with sorbitan tristearate.
Sorbitan tristearate is a food additive used as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It has some advantages, but also some disadvantages for human health. However, it is not suitable for dogs and can even be dangerous. If you want to do something good for your dog, you should rather give him natural and species-appropriate food.
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!😊