Tag: Alginic acid

Amazingly, brown seaweed like Laminaria can accumulate iodine from seawater up to 30,000 times the concentration found in its environment, making it the highest iodine accumulator among all living organisms. This remarkable capability is just one aspect of what Laminaria contains, as it is also a rich source of polysaccharides, minerals, and vitamins that offer numerous health benefits.

Alginic acid is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed and is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter medications for managing acid reflux and GERD. Primarily, this unique fiber forms a protective barrier in the stomach, offering immediate relief from heartburn and indigestion without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Over 36,000 tonnes of alginate were produced globally in 2001, demonstrating its widespread use in various industries. The primary ingredient in sodium alginate is alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide extracted from the cell walls of brown seaweed. This article explores its core components and the manufacturing process that turns marine algae into a versatile polymer.

Sodium is a chemical element, while sodium alginate is a complex polymer extracted from brown seaweed. This fundamental distinction means that is sodium alginate the same as sodium is an important question with a clear answer rooted in chemistry and composition.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, sodium alginate is defined as the sodium salt of alginic acid. While its name might suggest high salt, or sodium chloride, content, the reality is more nuanced. The sodium in sodium alginate is part of its chemical structure, making its sodium content different from that of table salt (NaCl).