Calcium disodium EDTA

Definition

Calcium disodium EDTA is a preservative used in food to preserve texture, flavor, and color. EDTA can stabilize mixtures of oils and fats, promote color retention and extend shelf life. In medicine, health care professionals can prescribe it for lead poisoning, as it is a chelating agent that helps bind to, and remove heavy metals from the body.

Also Known As

CALCIUM DISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETATE, EDTA, Calcium disodium, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDATHAMIL, Disodium Calcium, CALCIATE DISODIUM, EDTA DISODIUM CALCIUM SALT, EDTA CALCIUM DISODIUM SALT, edetate calcium disodium

Health Impact

The maximum acceptable intake of EDTA is 1.9 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. Although the amount of EDTA consumed in processed foods is unlikely to create any issues for most people, the consumption of large amounts of EDTA can create digestive distress, diarrhea and decreased appetite. In large doses, it can also affect the absorption of zinc, copper and iron, leading to mineral deficiencies

Sources

• Edetate calcium disodium

  Pub Chem

• EDTA, CALCIUM DISODIUM

  FDA

• Scientific opinion on the evaluation of authorised ferric sodium EDTA as an ingredient in the context of Regulation (EC) 258/97 on novel foods and Regulation (EU) 609/2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes and total diet replacement for weight control

  European Food Safety Authority Journal

• Reasons for raising the maximum acceptable daily intake of EDTA and the benefits for iron fortification of foods for children 6–24 months of age

  Pub Med

• Teratogenic effect of calcium edetate (CaEDTA) in rats and the protective effect of zinc

  Pub Med