Contents
Potassium Lactate
Potassium lactate is a potassium salt of lactic acid. In chemistry, a salt is a compound that forms when an acid and base react to neutralize one another.
“Potassium lactate” by Ed (Edgar181) – Own work. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Purpose
Potassium lactate is used to adjust acidity. Â It is also used as preservative in cooked and/or cured meat and poultry products. Â It is often used as a replacement for sodium lactate when there is a need to reduce the amount sodium.
It is added to food all over the world. Potassium lactate is an approved food additive in Canada1, the USA2, Europe3Â and Australia4.
Description:
Potassium lactate is a clear odorless liquid. Â It is produced by by neutralizing lactic acid with a potassium compound. Lactic acid is commonly found in dairy products such as yogurt, kombucha and some cottage cheeses. Â However, when produced industrially, lactic acid is formed through fermentation. Â Bacteria convert glucose and sucrose to lactic acid.
An interesting fact is that similar bacteria live in our mouths. Â The lactic acid produced by these bacteria is what causes cavities in our teeth.
Common Uses:
Some specific examples of potassium lactate in food include:
- PC Blue Menu Tomato and Basil Turkey Breast
- Thin Sliced Lower Sodium Honey Roasted Turkey Breast
- Jimmy Dean Ham and Cheese Biscuit
Potassium lactate is also used to treat leathers used in book binding5, and in fire extinguishers.
Health Issues / Side Effects:
Many dairy products contain lactic acid but potassium lactate does not contain milk protein.
I could not find any evidence of reported health concerns or side effects.
Notes:
Potassium lactate has an E Number of 326.
Lactic acid is often found in processed foods like prepared salad dressing.
Sources
- Canadian List of Permitted Food Additives
- FDA Food Additives Status List
- Current EU Approved Food Additives
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
- Book Binding and the Conservation of Books
- Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray
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