Food-Info.net> E-numbers > E300-400

386 EDTA: Disodium ethylenediamine tetra-acetate

Origin:
A synthetic compound.

Function & characteristics:
Metal scavenger, stabiliser (also used after heavy metal intoxication to remove metals from the body).

Products:
Many different products.

Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
None known in the concentrations used. Long-term exposure to high doses may result in depletion of metal(s) from the body (iron).

Dietary restrictions:
EDTA and edetates can be used by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.