Comparing E530 - Magnesium oxide vs E551 - Silicon dioxide
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Found in 40 products
Found in 241 products
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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 oxide good for?
In foods, E530 is good for keeping powders free‑flowing (anti‑caking) and helping control acidity/alkalinity (pH); it may also serve as a source of magnesium in fortification.
What is magnesium oxide used for?
As a food additive it’s used in products like table salt, spices, cocoa, and drink or baking mixes to prevent clumping and to adjust pH; it can also supply magnesium in some fortified foods.
What is magnesium oxide 400 mg used for?
That tablet dose is a dietary supplement, not a food‑additive use; 400 mg MgO provides about 240 mg elemental magnesium and is used to address low magnesium or as an antacid/laxative, though it’s relatively poorly absorbed and can cause diarrhea at high doses.
Is magnesium oxide good for you?
At the small amounts used in foods, it’s considered safe (permitted in the EU as E530 and GRAS in the U.S.); as a supplement it can help correct deficiency but has lower bioavailability than some forms and high doses may upset the stomach or cause diarrhea.
What does magnesium oxide do?
In foods it prevents caking and helps stabilize pH, and can contribute magnesium for fortification.
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.