Comparing E504I - Magnesium carbonate vs E551 - Silicon dioxide
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 9 products
Found in 241 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is magnesium carbonate good for?
As a food additive (E504(i)), it’s good for keeping powders free-flowing as an anti‑caking agent and serving as a carrier for flavors or colors; it can also help regulate acidity in some products.
Is magnesium carbonate good for you?
At the small amounts used in foods it’s considered safe (approved in the EU; GRAS in the U.S.) and contributes little nutritionally; high supplemental or medicinal doses of magnesium carbonate may cause laxative effects, especially in people with kidney issues.
How do you make magnesium carbonate?
It’s typically produced by precipitating it from magnesium salt solutions (e.g., magnesium chloride or sulfate) with sodium carbonate, or by carbonating magnesium oxide/hydroxide; it also occurs naturally as the mineral magnesite.
Is magnesium carbonate the same as magnesium citrate?
No—magnesium carbonate is the carbonate salt, while magnesium citrate is the citrate salt; citrate is more water‑soluble and often used as a supplement, whereas carbonate is less soluble and mainly used as an additive or antacid.
What is magnesium carbonate used for?
In foods it’s used as an anti‑caking agent and carrier (e.g., in table salt, spices, and powdered mixes), and sometimes as an acidity regulator or firming aid.
Is silicon dioxide safe?
Yes—food-grade silicon dioxide (E551), a synthetic amorphous silica used as an anti-caking agent, is permitted by regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA found no concern at current uses) at typical food levels. This differs from inhaling crystalline silica dust, which is hazardous.
What happens if you eat silica gel?
Silica gel is an inert, amorphous silicon dioxide desiccant; if swallowed it usually passes through without being absorbed, though it can cause brief stomach upset or pose a choking risk. Indicator varieties (e.g., cobalt-dyed) aren’t meant to be eaten—seek advice if a child swallows a packet or a large amount.
Is silicon dioxide bad for you?
Not at the small amounts used in foods—E551 is considered safe and is largely not absorbed by the body. The main risk with silica is from inhaling crystalline silica dust, not ingesting food-grade amorphous silica.
Is silica bad for you?
In foods, amorphous silica (E551) used as an anti-caking agent is regarded as safe at permitted levels, and most ingested is excreted. Health concerns mainly relate to occupational inhalation of crystalline silica, which is hazardous.
What is silica gel?
Silica gel is a porous, amorphous form of silicon dioxide used as a desiccant to control moisture in packaging. It isn’t a food ingredient, and “Do not eat” labels are to prevent choking or misuse.