E404

Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents..
Calcium 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 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.

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