Comparing E526 - Calcium hydroxide vs E528 - Magnesium hydroxide
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 6 products
Found in 8 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is calcium hydroxide a strong base?
Yes—calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is a strong base; although only moderately soluble, its saturated solution (limewater) is highly alkaline (pH around 12.4).
What is calcium hydroxide used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidity regulator and firming agent—commonly for nixtamalizing corn (masa/tortillas), as pickling lime to keep cucumbers crisp, and in sugar refining; it’s also used to adjust brewing water pH.
Is calcium hydroxide bad for you?
At the small amounts used in foods it isn’t considered harmful and is permitted (e.g., FDA GRAS; EU E526) under good manufacturing practice. Concentrated powders or solutions are caustic and can burn or irritate skin, eyes, and the digestive tract.
Is calcium hydroxide safe to eat?
Yes, when food‑grade and used at normal levels it’s considered safe; residual amounts in treated foods are low and can contribute calcium. Avoid ingesting concentrated forms, which are corrosive.
How to make calcium hydroxide?
Industrial food‑grade calcium hydroxide is made by hydrating calcium oxide (quicklime), which is produced by calcining limestone; CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2. For safety and purity, use commercially prepared food‑grade pickling lime rather than attempting to make it at home, as the reaction is caustic and highly exothermic.
How magnesium hydroxide works?
It works as a sparingly soluble base that releases hydroxide ions to neutralize acids and raise pH. In medicinal use it neutralizes gastric acid and, at higher doses, draws water into the intestines to promote bowel movements.
Is magnesium hydroxide safe?
Yes—at permitted food-use levels (E528) it is considered safe by regulators. High intakes can cause diarrhea, and people with kidney impairment should avoid excessive magnesium exposure.
Is magnesium hydroxide a strong base?
Chemically it’s a strong base, but its very low solubility means its aqueous solutions are only moderately alkaline compared with highly soluble bases like sodium hydroxide.
What is magnesium hydroxide used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidity regulator/alkalizing agent and processing aid to control pH. Outside foods it’s the active ingredient in some antacids (milk of magnesia) and osmotic laxatives.
What does magnesium hydroxide do?
In food products it neutralizes excess acidity and helps stabilize pH. Medically it relieves heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid and, at higher doses, promotes bowel movements by drawing water into the gut.