E297 (Fumaric acid) food additive.
Fumaric acid is commonly found in nature, in many fruits and vegetables. It is extracted from sugar naturally or by chemical synthesis.
Industrially it appears in the form of a white powder.
What it is used for and where
Food
It was among the oldest food acidifiers and is still widely used as an acidity regulator in foods and beverages. Ingredient listed in the European food additives list as E297, acidulant.
Medical
Fumaric acid and especially its esters are used in the treatment of psoriasis (1), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (2), treatment of RRMS or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (3).
Cosmetics
Buffering agent. It is an iingredient that can bring an alkaline or acid solution to a certain pH level and prevent it from changing, in practice a pH stabiliser that can effectively resist instability and pH change.
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Molecular Formula C4H4O4
Molecular Weight 116.07
CAS 110-17-8
EC number 203-743-0
Synonyms:
- 1,2-Ethenedicarboxylic acid, trans-
- Allomaleic acid
- Tumaric acid
- 2-Butenedioic acid
- trans-Butenedioic acid
- Allomaleic acid
- Boletic acid
- Lichenic acid
