E403

Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents..
Ammonium salt of alginic acid (E400), 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.

Used in jam, jellies and marmalades as defined in Directive 79/693/EEC and other similar fruit spreads including low-calorie products, an ingredient in antacid preparations (Gaviscon, Bisodol tablets, Asilone tablets Boots own etc) kelp is also available in tablet form as a dietary supplement.

Found in seaweed fertilizer preparations (approved by DEFRA's organic food standards but not by the Soil Association).

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