Disodium inosinate (E631): what is it and is it harmful?
Disodium inosinate is a flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in the food industry. It is marked as food additive E631. Disodium inosinate, in combination with monosodium glutamate or disodium guanylate, gives dishes a spicy-sweet taste, called umami. Food with the addition of disodium inosinate has a more intense, distinctive taste.
What is disodium inosinate obtained from?
Disodium inosinate is produced industrially by the fermentation of tapioca starch , in the presence of specific bacteria. It can also be obtained from animal products, mainly meat and fish. Disodium inosinate also naturally occurs in some fermented products, such as soy sauces and yeast extracts .
Is disodium inosinate vegetarian?
Disodium inosinate obtained from animal products is not vegan or vegetarian . However, there are variants of disodium inosinate on the market made from plant products, such as yeast that may be acceptable to vegetarians. It is important to check the product label and, if necessary, ask the manufacturer whether a given disodium inosinate is vegetarian.
Is disodium inosinate E631 harmful?
Disodium inosinate is generally safe to consume, even for pregnant women . It has been approved by various food safety authorities, including the US FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). So far, the acceptable daily intake of disodium inosinate (ADI) has not been determined. This is primarily due to its relatively small presence in food, which makes it difficult to determine the exact limit. Regulatory agencies say that if E631 disodium inosinate is used according to good manufacturing practices, its intake will be within safe limits.
Disodium inosinate is not allowed in food for newborns and children . People with gout and kidney diseases should be particularly careful when consuming disodium inosinate, because disodium inosinate is obtained from purines. Purines are naturally occurring chemicals that can cause health problems in people with certain medical conditions.
Disodium inosinate and kidney diseases
People with kidney disease should be careful with foods containing disodium inosinate. It can be processed by the body into uric acid, which is removed from the body by the kidneys. For people with kidney disorders (such as chronic kidney disease, excess uric acid), it may place an additional burden on the kidneys. High consumption of purines (from which disodium inosinate is produced) can also lead to the formation of kidney stones in people predisposed to this disease.
Disodium inosinate and gout
Disodium inosinate may lead to an increase in uric acid levels in the blood, which may in turn trigger gout attacks . After consuming products containing disodium inosinate, patients may experience sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, skin redness and fever. In a gout diet, it is worth avoiding the consumption of disodium inosinate from food.
Allergy and intolerance and disodium inosinate
People who are sensitive to glutamate may also react to disodium inosinate due to their similar uses in food. They cause the so-called Chinese restaurant syndrome . Food allergy symptoms that occur after ingesting disodium inosinate may include headache, flushing, weakness, and a feeling of pressure or tension in the face.
Some people may also experience digestive discomfort after consuming products containing disodium inosinate. Digestive problems can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s level of sensitivity. If you experience the above allergic symptoms after eating food containing disodium inosinate, be sure to consult your doctor.
Is disodium inosinate healthy?
Consuming disodium inosinate occasionally and in small amounts will not have a negative impact on human health . As a general rule, moderation in the consumption of all flavor enhancers, including disodium inosinate, is key.
Disodium inosinate, as a flavor enhancer, can improve the taste of a dish, which has a beneficial effect on increasing the appetite in elderly and sick people. On the other hand, increased appetite after consuming products containing disodium inosinate will not be beneficial for people trying to lose weight . However, the exact effects of sodium inosinate on overweight and obese people have not yet been adequately studied.
What products contain disodium inosinate?
Disodium inosinate is typically found in packaged and processed foods , giving them a meaty, slightly spicy flavor, without the need to add real meat. Here are some examples of products that may contain disodium inosinate E631:
snacks such as potato chips
spice mixtures,
ready-made sauces,
instant noodles and soups,
canned vegetables,
some dairy products, such as processed cheese,
bakery products, e.g. bread or rolls.
