Sodium Caseinate is made from the Yak milk with the appearance of cream white. This product is used as a food additive where it adds nutrition, flavor and specific consistencies. Sodium Caseinate is widely used in meat products, coffee whitener, processed cereals, baked goods and processed cheeses. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is Sodium Caseinate?
Sodium Caseinate is an excellent emulsifier and thickening agent that is commonly used in the food industry to improve the retention of fat in foods and water, prevent syneresis, contribute to the uniform distribution of the various ingredients in the food processing, and improve the texture and taste of food. It is often used in bread, biscuits, candy, cakes, ice cream, yogurt drinks, and margarine, gravy, fast food, meat and seafood products,
Possible Side Effects of Sodium Caseinate
Sodium Caseinate is generally considered a safe ingredient. The side effects may
1. Those who are lactose-intolerant may experience stomach pain and bloating (excess gas and pressure in stomach).
2. Acid casein is treated with the chemical calcium hydroxide (alkali) to get calcium caseinate. Such chemical alkalies may curb and damage the nutrient-absorbing capacity of your digestive system.
3. Because it is exposed to high heat during processing, the caseinate becomes an ultra thermolyzed protein combined with MSG (a byproduct of protein thermolyzation). Consumption of this protein may lead to headaches, chest pain, nausea, weakness, heart palpitations, etc.
4. It is difficult for the human stomach to digest the denatured protein completely. So, some undigested protein enters the colon. There, it is fermented by colonic bacteria. This results in formation of highly carcinogenic phenolic compounds that contribute to the growth of colonic tumors. Thus, ultra thermolyzed casein can increase the risk of colon cancer.
5. Researchers and doctors are of the opinion that casein peptides can seriously affect blood pressure levels during and after surgery.
6. It has been observed that casein products interfere with the adsorption of certain drugs which can eventually result in serious health issues.
7. Some people are allergic to casein and may have a life-threatening reaction.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Sodium Caseinate is considered safe by FDA.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to Sodium Caseinate populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake Sodium Caseinate.
Related Research
1. Impact of cationic surfactant on the self-assembly of sodium caseinate. [J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Aug 27] Author: Vinceković M, Curlin M, Jurašin D.
2. Competitive displacement of sodium caseinate by low-molecular-weight emulsifiers and the effects on emulsion texture and rheology. [Langmuir. 2014 Jul 29] Author: Munk MB, Larsen FH, van den Berg FW, Knudsen JC, Andersen ML.
3. Study of chemical stability of lemon oil components in sodium caseinate-lactose glycoconjugate-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography. [Food Funct. 2014 Jul 25] Author: Sabik H, Achouri A, Alfaro M, Pelletier M, Belanger D, Britten M, Fustier P.