Minerals

Ascorbates

Ascorbates are a group of mineral salts derived from ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. They are often used as a source of vitamin C in dietary supplements and food fortification. Ascorbates are highly soluble in water and are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Food & Beverage: Ascorbates are commonly added to foods and beverages as antioxidants to prevent oxidation and maintain color, flavor, and nutritional quality. They are often used in juices, canned fruits, cured meats, and bakery products.

  • Nutraceutical: Ascorbate salts such as sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are widely used in dietary supplements to provide a source of vitamin C. These supplements may come in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids. Ascorbates are also used in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in vitamin C supplements and medications. They may be included in formulations to enhance stability and bioavailability of the active ingredient.

  • Personal Care: Ascorbates are incorporated into skincare products for their antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote collagen synthesis. They are often found in serums, creams, and lotions targeting anti-aging and brightening effects.

Citrates

Citrates are salts or esters of citric acid. Citric acid is an organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. Citrates have various uses across different industries.

  • Food & Beverage: Citrates are commonly used as acidity regulators, flavoring agents, emulsifiers, and preservatives in food and beverages. They can enhance the flavor of certain foods and contribute to a sour taste. Additionally, citrates can act as antioxidants, preventing oxidation and extending the shelf life of products.
  • Nutraceutical: Citrates are utilized in pharmaceuticals as buffering agents, which help maintain the pH of medications and ensure their stability. They are also used as excipients in tablet formulations to improve drug solubility and disintegration.
  • Industrial: Citrates are present in many household and industrial cleaning products as chelating agents and builders. They help to soften water, remove mineral deposits, and enhance the effectiveness of detergents.

  • Personal Care: Citrates are included in cosmetics and personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, and skincare formulations as chelating agents, pH adjusters, and emulsifiers. They help stabilize formulations and enhance product performance.

Sodium Lactate

Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, which is a natural acid produced in the body during metabolism, particularly during exercise when muscles produce lactate as a byproduct. Sodium lactate is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

  • Food & Beverage: Sodium lactate is used as a food additive, primarily as a preservative and flavoring agent. It helps extend the shelf life of certain foods by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds. It’s commonly found in processed meats, cheeses, baked goods, and beverages.
  • Nutraceutical: In pharmaceuticals, sodium lactate can be used as a buffering agent, especially in medications that require a specific pH level for stability. It may also be used in intravenous solutions to help balance electrolytes.
  • Personal Care: Sodium lactate is utilized in various personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions. It acts as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in the skin and hair, thus enhancing their hydration and softness.

Potassium Carbonate

Potassium Carbonate is a white, granular, water-soluble salt composed of potassium ions and carbonate ions. Potassium carbonate plays significant roles in various industries, ranging from manufacturing to agriculture, due to its alkalinity, solubility, and other chemical properties.

  • Food & Beverage: Potassium carbonate is sometimes used as a food additive, primarily as a raising agent in baking. It reacts with acids in baking powder to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough to rise. It can also be used as an electrolyte replacement. It can also be utilized as a source of potassium in electrolyte replacement solutions, particularly in agricultural and horticultural applications where potassium deficiencies in plants need to be addressed.

  • Industrial: In agriculture, potassium carbonate can be used to adjust soil pH levels. It is particularly useful in alkaline soils to help neutralize acidity and improve soil quality for certain crops.