Sorbitan Tristearate, also known as Famodan Ts, is a common food additive that is used to emulsify and stabilize a wide range of processed foods. With 890 calories in every 100 grams, it is essential to understand its effects on the body.

As an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid, Sorbitan Tristearate is a white to ivory-colored powder that is practically insoluble in water. This food additive is used to improve the texture and shelf life of foods, preventing them from separating or becoming rancid over time.

In this article, we'll explore the various aspects of Sorbitan Tristearate, including its impact on the body, the potential health risks, the recommended daily intake, and more.

What is Sorbitan Tristearate?

Sorbitan Tristearate is a type of food additive that is commonly used in the production of various processed foods. It is created by combining sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, with stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. This fatty acid ester is primarily used as an emulsifier, a substance that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together. It is also commonly used as a surfactant, a substance that reduces the surface tension of liquids, making it easier for other substances to dissolve or mix. Sorbitan Tristearate is generally considered safe for human consumption at low levels, although it may cause some side effects in some people.

How does Sorbitan Tristearate affect the body?

Sorbitan Tristearate is not a nutrient and does not provide any calories or nutritional benefits to the body. Instead, it is used primarily as a food additive to improve the texture, flavor, and shelf life of processed foods. While consuming small amounts of Sorbitan Tristearate is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea after consuming larger quantities. Moreover, Sorbitan Tristearate does not have any direct impact on the body's metabolism, fat storage, or overall health.

How many calories are in 1 gram of Sorbitan Tristearate?

Sorbitan Tristearate is an energy-free food additive, meaning that it does not provide any calories or nutritional benefits to the body.

What are the potential health risks associated with consuming Sorbitan Tristearate?

While Sorbitan Tristearate is generally considered safe for human consumption, consuming large quantities of it may cause adverse side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Some animal studies have suggested that consuming high levels of Sorbitan Tristearate may increase the risk of developing cancer or liver damage, although these findings have not been substantiated in human studies. More research is needed to determine the long-term health effects of consuming Sorbitan Tristearate, particularly at higher doses.

Is Sorbitan Tristearate a natural or artificial ingredient?

Sorbitan Tristearate is an artificial food additive that is not found naturally in foods. It is created by combining sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, with stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid.

What foods commonly contain Sorbitan Tristearate?

Sorbitan Tristearate is commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including baked goods, desserts, candies, and snack foods. It is often used as an emulsifier or stabilizer to improve the texture and shelf life of these products. Some common foods that may contain Sorbitan Tristearate include bread, ice cream, pudding, cake mixes, and chocolates.

Are there any benefits to consuming Sorbitan Tristearate?

As an artificial food additive, Sorbitan Tristearate does not provide any nutritional benefits to the body. However, it does help to improve the texture and shelf life of processed foods, making them more appealing and convenient for consumers.

How much Sorbitan Tristearate is safe to consume?

Sorbitan Tristearate is generally considered safe for human consumption at low levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set limits on the amount of Sorbitan Tristearate that can be used in food products, typically ranging from 0.02 to 0.9 percent by weight.

What is the recommended daily intake of Sorbitan Tristearate?

There is no recommended daily intake for Sorbitan Tristearate, as it is not a nutrient that is required for bodily functions. However, it is generally considered safe to consume in small amounts as a food additive.

Can Sorbitan Tristearate be harmful in large doses?

Consuming large quantities of Sorbitan Tristearate may cause adverse side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Moreover, some animal studies have suggested that high doses of Sorbitan Tristearate may increase the risk of developing cancer or liver damage. However, it is important to note that these effects have not been substantiated in human studies, and Sorbitan Tristearate is generally considered safe for human consumption at low levels.