E402

Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents..
Potassium salt of alginic acid (E400), potassium alginate is a natural polysaccharide, produced by different seaweeds of the family Phaeophyceae (Macrocystis pyrifera, Laminaria digitata, L. cloustoni, Ascophyllum nodosum) in the USA and the UK. Also see E400.

Used in many products including custard mixes, yoghurt, jelly, flavoured milk, artificial sweetener base, canned icing, cheese, as well as being used in slimming aids and indigestion tablets. It is also used for low-salt/sodium products.

No known adverse effects, however large quantities may inhibit the absorption of some nutrients.