Comparing E551 - Silicon dioxide vs E558 - Bentonite
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Found in 241 products
Found in 12 products
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Interest over time for 4 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 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.
What is bentonite clay?
A natural aluminum phyllosilicate clay (mostly montmorillonite); as food additive E558 it’s used to prevent clumping (anti‑caking) and to clarify wine and juices as a fining/processing aid.
How much bentonite clay to drink for detox?
There is no approved or evidence‑based oral “detox” dose—health authorities do not recommend drinking bentonite clay, which can bind medications/nutrients and may contain heavy metals.
Does bentonite clay expire?
Being a mineral, it doesn’t spoil, but follow the manufacturer’s shelf life; store airtight and dry to avoid moisture, contamination, or caking.
How to use bentonite clay?
In foods it’s added by manufacturers as a small‑dose anti‑caking agent, or hydrated as a slurry to fine wine/juice and then removed with the sediment; it’s not intended to be taken as a drink.
Is bentonite clay safe?
At permitted food levels E558 is considered safe (e.g., GRAS in the U.S.; EFSA found no concern at reported uses), but ingesting clay products for “detox” is not advised due to possible contaminants and interactions; avoid inhaling the dust.