Alginic acid
Alginic acid (also known as alginate) is a natural polysaccharide that is extracted from the cell walls of brown algae. It is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications due to its unique properties such as gel-forming, thickening, and stabilizing.
History
The discovery of alginic acid dates back to the 1880s when it was first isolated by the British chemist E.C.C. Stanford. The commercial production of alginates began in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Structure and Properties
Alginic acid is a linear copolymer with homopolymeric blocks of (1-4)-linked β-D-mannuronate (M) and its C-5 epimer α-L-guluronate (G) residues, covalently linked in different sequences or blocks. The monomers can appear in homopolymeric blocks of consecutive G-residues (G-blocks), consecutive M-residues (M-blocks), alternating M and G-residues (MG-blocks).
The properties of alginic acid, such as its ability to form gels and its viscosity, are largely determined by the ratio and sequence of the M and G blocks. The G-blocks form strong gels, while the M-blocks are responsible for the viscosity of the alginate solutions.
Uses
Alginic acid has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. In the food industry, it is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and to improve the texture of foods. In pharmaceuticals, it is used in the production of controlled-release drugs and as a disintegrant in tablets. In industry, it is used in the production of paper, textiles, and in water treatment processes.
Health Effects
Alginic acid is generally considered safe for consumption. However, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and diarrhea. It can also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and medications.
See Also
Structural formula of alginic acid
Giant kelp, a source of alginic acid
Production of alginate nonwoven fabric
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
