Food additive E 322 (lecithin): is it dangerous for the human body?

Nutritional value of soy lecithin

Lecithins are complex compounds whose chemical formula resembles fats with a small percentage of impurities. They are contained in egg yolk or soybean oil. What is the process technology in the second case?

Soybeans were cultivated several thousand years ago in the Eastern region, cultivated and eaten. The plant contains essential amino acids that are well absorbed by humans. For this reason, breeders paid attention to it in the century before last. With the goal of making soy profitable and affordable, they discovered another use for it. Soybean seeds began to be processed in a special way and obtained raw oil - a brown liquid with a specific odor, saturated with many substances:

Saturated fatty acids - palmitic and stearic.
Oleic monounsaturated fatty acid (Omega-9).
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are polyunsaturated acids.
Iron and zinc.
Vitamin B4 (choline).
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol).
Vitamin K (phylloquinone).
Sterols that are part of the cell membrane.

The energy value of the substance is 899 kilocalories. In the international classification, the additive appears under code E322, which is always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Application of lecithin in other industries: medicine

Lecithin has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, but this is not its only advantage. E322 is widely used in medicine and helps relieve the symptoms of certain diseases:

Gastritis, ulcers and colitis. Food supplement E322 protects the gastric mucosa from harmful components.
Psoriasis and dermatitis. Lecithin significantly alleviates the condition of a patient who has skin diseases.
Fibromatosis of the uterus, diseases of the mammary glands and mastopathy. Regular intake of lecithin prevents the formation of tumors in the genital organs. E322 increases libido.
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. E322 improves brain activity.
Lecithin lowers blood sugar levels.

Application in the food industry

Soybean oil, which contains lecithin, is in second place in the world industry after palm oil. It comes in several types:

Cold pressed - it is obtained directly by squeezing soybean seeds and is not processed; considered the most useful and rich in valuable substances, including large amounts of lecithin;
Unrefined is raw oil that has undergone a hydration process to extend shelf life; here, just like in cold-pressed oil, there is a lot of lecithin; it is actively used for food purposes, but it is not recommended to heat the substance, since carcinogens are formed under the influence of temperature.
Refined - this oil usually has a pleasant smell and is often used in the food industry.

The lecithin contained in the oil determines a wide range of its use from the confectionery industry to the pharmaceutical and even cosmetics. Let's look at these areas.

Confectionery production

In this food sub-industry, lecithin is used in a variety of products. Its main function is to be an emulsifier, i.e., to force different types of substances to mix, facilitating the production process. Why is this necessary? The dough sometimes requires liquids that, under normal conditions, due to different chemical properties, simply cannot form a mixture (usually water and fat). Lecithin is capable of simultaneously reacting with both fats and water and thereby provokes their interaction. In the preparation of what products is this important?

Bakery sweets. Here, lecithin performs two tasks at once: a substance that creates water-oil emulsions, i.e., an emulsifier and as an important element of confectionery fat. In addition, lecithin, due to its origin, can replace egg yolk in the dough. Thanks to lecithin, it is possible to obtain the crumb structure necessary for normal baking and not worry about the appearance of unevenness on the surface. As a result, the manufacturer receives a smooth, even product of uniform color and correct texture. This method of application is common throughout the world.
Waffles. In their preparation, lecithin is added to both the dough and the filling. When baking wafer sheets, lecithin in the dough helps prevent the waffles from sticking to the pans. The filling for them is prepared on a fat basis, so in this case lecithin will maintain a light, uniform consistency for it, helping to evenly distribute the water and fat components. The finished product turns out crispy and does not lose these properties throughout the entire shelf life, does not crumble or break. Lecithin works similarly in ice cream and custard cones.
Cookie. The dough base for it must be elastic, which is made possible thanks to lecithin. The substance makes the product crumbly and helps reduce the fat content (since it itself is fat-like). In addition, lecithin is able to give the liver a uniform color and a uniform, crack-free surface. A product prepared with lecithin usually turns out soft and has a delicate taste, since it takes much less time (and the time factor means a lot for the confectionery industry).
Pancakes. Pancake batter must be moderately viscous for successful baking. Lecithin helps control this characteristic. The use of the additive greatly simplifies the production process, making the product flow consistent and easily controlled.
Biscuits and cupcakes. For these confectionery products, careful distribution of fats, which is precisely what lecithin provides, is especially important. Its addition makes it easier to mix the dough and prevents the product from sticking to the metal baking dish - so that it does not lose its aesthetic appearance.

Thus, the use of lecithin in this area gives the product (at the test stage) fluidity, uniformity of color, smooth and uniform texture and friability. All of these features can be achieved by adding 1-2 percent lecithin.

Oil and fat production

The emulsifying properties of this additive are used in the production of margarines, spreads, confectionery fats and special fats for frying. The properties of lecithin allow it to make fat mass softer, more homogeneous and speed up the manufacturing process. Confectionery fat, on the basis of which fillings are often prepared, must be of the highest quality, and lecithin allows this to be ensured.

Lecithin plays a special role in the production of margarine. It is margarine that is often used in the production of bread and other baked goods, since, compared to vegetable oils, it provides a more stable texture to the product and a soft surface. Margarine adapts better to temperature changes during cooking. Without lecithin this would not be possible. Therefore, its role in the production of margarine for puff pastries, shortcrust and whipped dough products, creams and fillings cannot be underestimated - the fat-and-oil and confectionery industries are very interconnected.

Dairy industry

In fermented milk products, lecithin exhibits the same emulsifying properties. Thanks to its addition, the texture of fermented baked milk, kefir, sour cream, yogurt, milk creams and desserts becomes smooth, uniform, and the taste more delicate. In addition, it significantly speeds up the production of products.

Medicine

Medicine actively uses the natural capabilities of lecithin. Experts consider it a kind of “fuel” for our body. It is part of cell membranes, is needed by brain neurons and liver cells, and is important for normal cholesterol levels in the blood. This is why lecithin-based preparations are so common. They are prescribed for liver pathologies - hepatitis, intoxication, obesity.

The antioxidant properties of lecithin should not be overlooked. It is able to remove accumulated harmful substances - for example, in case of poisoning, withdrawal syndrome, helping the liver cope with toxins, regenerate cells and stimulate the production of bile. Doctors prescribe drugs to patients with lipid metabolism disorders, for the prevention of atherosclerosis and after serious cardiovascular diseases.

Usually the drug is in the form of capsules, but for children it is also produced in a more convenient form. When breastfeeding, the baby receives lecithin, necessary for development, along with milk. For older children, the supplement is given in the form of a gel (often enriched with vitamins and having a pleasant fruity taste).

Cosmetics

Lecithin also has value in the cosmetics industry. It is used in creams, serums, emulsions, tonics, body soufflés, and masks. Here it plays the role of a unique multifunctional component:

As an active ingredient, it restores the protective functions of mature skin, as well as damaged skin in need of nutrition. In addition, it clearly exhibits antioxidant properties.
As an emulsifier, it transforms fats included in cosmetic products into microdroplets, giving them the desired texture (for example, thick “sour cream”). This texture is distributed more evenly over the skin and is better absorbed.
Another interesting task of the supplement is to act as a kind of “vehicle”. To do this, substances that cannot penetrate the epidermal barrier are placed in special lecithin capsules, which transport them to the skin. This is how lecithin makes cosmetics work as effectively as possible.

As a rule, if a cream contains lecithin, it has moisturizing properties and a pleasant texture. Often this substance is combined with vitamin complexes, which only enhances its beneficial effect.

Where is the food additive E322 (licitin) used?

The food additive E 322 (lycetin) is mainly used in food production. Its benefit is that it increases the shelf life of finished products, prevents crystallization of lipids, and retains the emulsion. Here are the foods that contain lecithin:

sweet products (chocolates, cakes, cookies);
ice cream;
bakery products;
cocoa powder;
powdered milk (to speed up dissolution in water);
margarine;
condensed milk;
pasta;
refined vegetable oil (except olive oil).

This safe substance is allowed in the production of baby food. It can also be found in cubes for making broths, breakfast cereals, etc.

Lecithin has a positive effect on skin and hair, which is why it is included in a variety of cosmetics. In medicine, it can be found in many biological supplements.

Manufacturers also use a modified antioxidant. Some sources indicate that this supplement is harmful to the body and has negative health effects. It has nothing in common with genetically modified organisms. Moreover, the enrichment of modified lecithin with organic esters increases its beneficial properties (especially emulsifying properties).

Benefits of E322

Having analyzed the scope of application of lecithin and its biological properties, we will describe its positive effect on the body.

Improves cholesterol levels

The level of cholesterol (an organic compound) in the blood demonstrates how adequately lipid metabolism occurs in the body. It is usually divided into “bad”, i.e. low-density lipoproteins and “good”, i.e. high-density lipoproteins. Lecithin, according to research, helps increase the level of "good". The substance can prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of arteries, which means it resists atherosclerosis and improves the overall health of the heart and blood vessels.

Acts as a source of choline

Choline is called a vitamin-like substance, which, although not on a par with vitamins, plays a vital role for the body:

is part of neurotransmitters, thanks to which signals are transmitted between nerve cells, as well as from nerve cells to muscles; in other words, a person is capable of mental activity and physical activity thanks to choline;
ensures the normal functioning of the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning ability;
acts as a substance that forms the membrane of nerve cells; it is sometimes compared to the insulating coating of electrical wires;
Helps the lungs become saturated with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

Scientists have also found that choline is important for the proper intrauterine development of the fetus, when the formation of the nervous system occurs and future mental abilities are laid. Choline also has a positive effect on neuronal cells that are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease, so foods containing it are important for the diet - soybeans, as well as beef, turkey, chicken, cod, chocolate and wholemeal bread.

May strengthen immunity

The antioxidant effects of lecithin are important when it comes to the immune system. It resists the effects of free radicals (this is especially true for those who live near environmentally unsafe enterprises), protecting the body from stress and overload, including intellectual ones.

Other substances that lecithin is rich in help improve the quality of breast milk, prevent degenerative changes in muscle and nervous tissue, strengthen capillaries, promote digestion, protect the thin walls of the gastrointestinal tract and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. In fact, it has few contraindications: it is allowed even for people who are allergic to other fats, as well as those with arthritis (there are dietary restrictions for this disease) and diabetes (lecithin reduces the need for insulin).

There are also categories of people who especially need lecithin:

for pregnant women, the development of all life systems of the fetus;
infants and preschool children for the development of intellectual abilities;
adolescents during the period of active growth of the body;
athletes and those who do a lot of physical activity;
elderly people, since with age the content of lecithin in the body decreases;
people with skin diseases such as dermatitis and psoriasis, when the lipid surface of the skin suffers (lecithin helps restore it as part of a comprehensive treatment);
those with liver and gallbladder diseases.

There is a norm for taking lecithin - 3-4 times a day before meals. If you choose a granular supplement, the dose for an adult is one teaspoon (5-6 grams) with a glass of water. For a child - half a teaspoon.

Helps the body cope with physical and psychological stress

With significant physical activity, depression, mood swings and other psychophysical deviations from the norm, a person’s general well-being noticeably worsens. Irritability, insomnia, muscle pain, a drop in general physical tone - a general loss of strength develops into a chronic state of depression. In order not to become a hostage to drug treatment in such a situation, first of all you should pay attention to your diet and concentrate on proper nutrition.

Soy lecithin is recommended for use for neuritis, neuroses, pathological fatigue and muscle overload. Almost one third of the brain matter consists of lecithin. The peripheral nervous system contains about 17% lecithin. Therefore, regular consumption of soy helps to cope with depressive disorders and decreased muscle tone.

May improve cognitive function

A person’s ability to reason, learn, and make decisions is the main property that distinguishes a person from other representatives of the fauna of our planet. Cognitive, or cognitive functions, are the basis of a person’s worldview. Cognitive abilities include memory, attention, intelligence, perception, speech and the ability to control and organize one’s own motor activity. Cognitive impairments include:

Loss of attention, inability to concentrate on thoughts, actions or objects.
Loss of the ability to build holistic images based on data received from the senses.
Memory loss of varying severity.
Loss and weakening of intellectual abilities (including senile dementia).
Difficulties with speech function, loss of the ability to formulate and pronounce statements.
Disorders of communication between the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.

To prevent these deviations, nutrition experts recommend including products containing lecithin in your diet. Soy lecithin helps normalize brain function:

Strengthens the transport function of nerve fibers.
Improves blood supply to the brain.
Prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Stimulates tissue renewal and improves overall metabolism.

Due to its complex effects, lecithin can indeed significantly influence human cognitive functions and stimulate their recovery after crises.

May prevent osteoporosis

When there is a lack of calcium in bone tissue, osteoporosis develops. As a result, bones become less strong, thinner, and break easily under loads that previously seemed ordinary. Twisting your leg out of the blue or breaking your arm from hitting a door frame - such troubles often plague people with osteoporosis. According to statistics, women most often suffer from brittle bones after menopause. For older men, osteoporosis is also very dangerous. Another sign of impending osteoporosis is fatigue.

The risk of developing calcium deficiency in bone tissue can be prevented by regularly consuming soy lecithin. Calcium supplements alone are not enough, since this mineral is poorly absorbed by the body. Lecithin is a fat-like substance and helps dissolve calcium compounds. The presence of soy products in everyday food can eliminate the possibility of signs of osteoporosis for a long time. A prerequisite is to consume foods rich in calcium: milk, cheeses, cottage cheese.

Relieves symptoms of menopause

When a woman is just over 50, a transitional period begins in her life - menopause. Menopause is the state of the female body after the cessation of regular menstruation and the ovulation cycle. Although monthly bleeding brings joy to few people, it is the menstrual cycle that helps maintain female beauty and attractiveness. Menopause immediately affects the general condition of the body:

Frequent changes in blood pressure are possible.
Many women gain weight frequently at the onset of menopause.
Hot flashes due to hormonal changes.
The condition of hair and skin worsens.
Manifestations of depression and other nervous disorders are possible.

Lecithin contains two B vitamins - inositol and choline. These vitamins, if consumed regularly, help the body cope with a variety of stress factors. Soy lecithin has a positive effect on the general condition of a woman during the difficult period of menopause:

Relieves frequent headaches and other disorders of the central nervous system.
Improves the condition of the skin, helps get rid of dermatitis and allergic reactions on the skin.
Normalizes heartbeat.
Stimulates intestinal motility.

Lack of lecithin during menopause causes direct harm to the body. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully draw up a menu so that the food contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements and helps replenish the lack of vital substances.

May prevent cancer

Cancer cells lead to tissue atypia. The proliferation of tumor neoplasms causes changes in histology and shape in tissues and internal organs. A healthy body is able to recognize mutant cancer cells and neutralize them. In a state of stress and with a lack of vital substances, immunity to recognizing and destroying cancer agents is reduced to a critical level.

Lecithin is a transport medium for the supply of vitamins and minerals to internal organs and tissues. In addition, foods rich in lecithin help remove toxins and have an antioxidant effect.

In the early stages of cancer development, regular use of E322 soy supplement helps improve the overall well-being of patients and can prevent the development of benign and malignant tumors.

How is lecithin useful for the human body?

Lecithin is an active food additive that has been used for a long time in many aspects of human life. It is used in cosmetology, sports, medicine, food and light industry. Once in the human body, lecithin breaks down into higher fatty acids, choline, and glycerophosphoric acids.

Substances after the breakdown of lecithin are necessary for the healthy and proper functioning of the body. An insufficient amount of the totality of elements in the human body will negatively affect his general condition, cause an unreasonable bad mood, which in the future threatens to develop into depression, and significantly worsen the reaction and thought processes. The positive effect of lecithin has several facets:

The substance stabilizes the activity of the nervous system. Without lecithin entering the body, the nervous system will not be able to recover from stress in a timely manner. A prolonged absence of the substance in the body’s vital functions will lead to an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, developing dementia, or developing Parkinson’s disease. The daily value is only 5 grams;
Lecithin is an essential component of the human liver. More than 50% of this organ consists of this material. Thanks to it, the organ carries out its functions and helps prevent toxic damage to the human body;
Lecithin functions as an antioxidant and allows the body to cope with free radicals, strengthens the immune system and slows down efforts. With a sufficient amount of the substance, the skin will have a healthy, fresh tint, hair will become less brittle, nails will be stronger;
The substance is involved in the transport of various beneficial minerals and vitamins throughout the body;
Modern research has proven that the substance is an active and essential component for ensuring proper functioning of the brain. Its deficiency is caused by a decrease in memory, the inability to focus attention on one object for a long time, and a deterioration in the passage of neurons in the brain;
The mobility of a man's sperm is ensured by special substances, which consist of 30% lecithin.

The importance of this component in normal human life is quite high. A lack of substance will affect your health.

Soy lecithin in baby food

A common problem faced by young parents is that the baby suffers from diarrhea, allergies or stomach upsets when consuming dairy products. According to WHO statistics, milk protein intolerance is a problem that affects about 8% of children worldwide. Symptoms of milk protein intolerance can be eliminated with the help of a special diet.

Manufacturers add soy protein isolate to baby food to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to cow's milk. Soy-based formulas are suitable for feeding babies who cannot eat dairy products. Practice shows that with constant consumption of soy, a child’s intestinal condition is normalized and the general condition of the body improves.

Eating soy lecithin also helps treat or alleviate other systemic nutritional disorders in children:

Lactose intolerance most often develops in premature babies. Products with soy lecithin are suitable as a replacement for dairy foods for babies with lactose intolerance.
Galactosemia is a genetic mutation as a result of which a child, when consuming milk-containing products, experiences problems with the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Soy isolate is suitable for replacing milk in the diet of a sick child and provides vitamin and nutritional deficiencies in the body.
Celiac disease is a congenital intolerance to gluten, in which the baby should not eat bread. Soy analogues are used to replace conventional dry mixtures for celiac disease.

Before introducing foods containing soy lecithin into your baby’s diet, be sure to consult with your physician. He will warn about possible contraindications to consuming soy, if any.

Emulsifier harm

Since lecithin is necessary for our body, where does the question of whether E322 is harmful or not even come from? It's all about where and how this nutritional supplement is obtained.

It is worth noting that the substance is included in the list of permitted products not only in Russia, but also in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine and the European Union.

When lecithin is produced, it is processed and purified many times, so the difference between regular lecithin and one that is GMO-derived is subtle and difficult to find, even in laboratory tests. For example, in Europe, a special system has been created that tracks the origin of the substances from which the emulsifier E-322 will be obtained. If the manufacturer does not provide evidence indicating the quality and purity of the raw materials, then he must write “Contains GMOs” on the product packaging. Unfortunately, in our country many manufacturers ignore this obligation. There is a high probability that the soy lecithin contained in the product is created using GMOs.

In other cases, the harm of lecithin E-322 is associated with a person having allergic reactions to the product and its overdose. Industrial lecithin is poorly excreted from the body, which leads to allergies.

Since the harm or benefits of GMOs have not yet been fully studied, it is not recommended to consume large quantities of products containing such organisms, therefore, products containing the emulsifier E-322 should be consumed in moderation.

Use for health problems

Food lecithin is a mixture of lipids, essential fatty acids and carbohydrates. Lecithin is essential for the healthy functioning and growth of cells in the human body. It is embedded in cell membranes, forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers, prevents the deposition of cholesterol inside blood vessels, and increases the concentration of lipids in the blood. The effect of lecithin on the body is complex, therefore it is recommended as a dietary supplement for neuroses and physical fatigue.

Soy lecithin should not be considered a panacea for all ills. However, regular consumption of products containing this substance has a beneficial effect on the condition of individual organs, the nervous system, the brain and the entire body as a whole. Nutritionists and nutritionists recommend using soy products in the daily diet for people with gastrointestinal disorders, a general decrease in immunity, and kidney and liver diseases. For vegetarians and people leading a healthy lifestyle, soy protein is necessary to compensate for the deficiency of B vitamins. During pregnancy, lecithin helps maintain the health of mother and child.

Type of substance

Lecithins E 322 are a mixture of phospholipids with triacylglycerols, glycolipids, carbohydrates, free fatty acids and other related substances.
Intended for use in the food industry as surfactants.

Depending on the production method, they are divided into two groups.

Lecithin E 322(i)

It is obtained from vegetable oils (usually soybean, sometimes sunflower or rapeseed). Lecithin is a by-product of refining.

Lecithin E 322(ii)

It has a high content of lysophospholipids.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of phospholipids makes it possible to obtain two types of product: hydrolyzed liquid lecithin and hydrolyzed fat-free lecithin (powder or granules). The food additive performs a number of technological functions: antioxidant, emulsifier, stabilizer, flour improver, moisture-retaining agent.

Lecithin deficiency in the body

The human body in the modern technogenic environment is subject to the influence of a mass of negative factors. Regular stress and depression, eating disorders, and high physical activity lead to the development of a lack of lipids in the blood and the appearance of lecithin deficiency. The lack of this substance manifests itself in different ways. Headaches, fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal problems, endocrine system disorders, blood pressure surges - lecithin deficiency can cause the development of any of these symptoms.

It is not immediately possible to immediately determine the source of the problem. To prevent such conditions, doctors and nutritionists recommend introducing soy lecithin into your daily diet on a regular basis. If, after 2-3 weeks of introducing a dietary supplement or soy products, the general condition of the body begins to improve, you should consume additional lecithin on an ongoing basis.

Soy lecithin - indications for use

Natural soy lecithin is especially valued as a source of energy, since thanks to fats, the body is able to maintain strength for a long time. The ability of this additive to release phosphorus, from which ATP molecules are formed - the source of energy for all processes in human systems, is also recorded. The concentration of lecithin increases during physical activity, so the supplement is also recommended for athletes.

Soy lecithin has helped many people quit smoking; it also contains acetylcholine, which is an antagonist of nicotine. Therefore, drugs with E322 are also prescribed to relieve nicotine addiction. Doctors often prescribe lecithin to help medications be better absorbed.

But in parallel with this, due to the content of valuable substances, the drug helps in the treatment of:

arthritis, arthrosis;
depression;
hormonal disorders;
vitamin deficiency

Harm and side effects of E322

Lecithin is sold in pharmacies without a prescription (in the form of syrups, capsules or as part of multivitamin complexes), but it is better to take this supplement after consultation with a specialist. With excessive doses of this substance, the body may react with the following manifestations:

labored breathing;
dizziness;
increased sweating;
salivation;
nausea and vomiting;
indigestion;
pain in the heart and joints.

Thus, excess lecithin disrupts the functioning of those systems that support its acceptable amount. Therefore, the dosage should be selected with a doctor. You can independently include lecithin-rich foods in your diet. A good alternative to synthetic vitamins would be pine nuts, soybeans, bran, brewer's yeast, cereals and green beans. It is difficult to overdo it with their quantity, which is why nutritionists approve of this strategy.

Separately, it is worth mentioning a universal contraindication to taking lecithin - soy allergy. There is also an opinion that pregnant women and young children should not consume soy, which can negatively affect the development of the child. However, this controversial statement in any case applies to soy, and not to lecithin. Therefore, there is no reason to remove healthy plant foods from your menu (beans, legumes, nuts that are necessary for the body). It is also important to add other natural dishes to them (so as to balance the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates), follow a diet and rest regime, and not neglect moderate physical activity.

Harm and benefits of food additive E 322 (lecithin)

The food additive E 322 (lecithin) is completely broken down in the body and absorbed, which indicates its safety. It has virtually no contraindications. It is not established how much maximum a person can consume. The beneficial effect of lecithin on the body is due to its chemical composition. No harm was found from it either.

The supplement is dangerous for people with phospholipid intolerance. Lecithin may be harmful to individuals who are allergic to egg yolks and egg products.

There is a misconception that E-322 is harmful for pregnant women, because it can trigger early labor. This misconception has been refuted by science. On the contrary, the supplement is not harmful to the fetus, supporting normal physical or mental development.

What foods are E322 used in?

The food industry is the main industry where this additive is used. And this is natural, because, as mentioned above, lecithin acts as an antioxidant and significantly increases the shelf life of the product.

E322 can be found in the following food products:

ice cream;
bread and bakery products (makes the dough plastic);
confectionery products (pastry, cakes, chocolate);
milk powder, cocoa (makes them more soluble);
condensed milk;
margarine;
pasta (except durum varieties);
vegetable oils (refined).

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Areas of use

You already know what kind of emulsifier lecithin is – let’s talk about where and how it is used? The priority area is food production. The component is actively used in the manufacture of:

Chocolate, cakes and sweets, ice cream;
Bakery products (improves dough plasticity);
Cocoa and milk powder (accelerates dissolution);
Margarine and condensed milk;
Pasta products (except durum products);
Vegetable oils (excluding olive);
Food colourings, fruit glazing agents and fat-soluble antioxidants;
Baby food products – fruit puree and milk mixtures;
Instant soups and bouillon cubes;
Breakfast cereals;
Cottage cheese.

We also recommend: Potassium sorbate

In addition, the additive is actively used in the cosmetic industry:

As part of decorative cosmetics;
Present in skin care creams;
Used in shampoos, hair dyes and conditioners.

The breadth of use is determined by the ability of the substance:

Stimulate skin elasticity;
Relieve inflammatory processes;
Normalize the functioning of fatty glands;
Improve hair structure and strengthen hair follicles.

In the pharmacological field, this component is also quite in demand:

How dietary supplements help increase the absorption of medications and reduce side effects;
Used in hepatoprotectors.

Other production areas:

Explosives;
Agricultural fertilizers;
Ink;
Paint and varnish products.

It's time to talk about whether the food additive E 322 is dangerous or not - if you carefully monitor your health and want to organize proper nutrition, carefully study this section of the review.