|  | Diet Nutrition | Healthy Eating

Types of Disodium

Disodium is an adjective meaning "containing two atoms of sodium." Sodium is salt--chemical element number 11, symbol NA--which along with magnesium, potassium and calcium is one of the main cations in the body, a cation being a positively charged ion that attracts negatively charged cathodes. In other words, disodium is capable of binding to metal ions or chelating. Because of this potential to chelate, variations of disodium are used as a binding agent in many foodstuffs, domestic products, cosmetics and therapies.

  1. Disodium Edta

    • Disodium Edta, also known as Disodium Edetate, is found in cosmetics, food and medicines. In cosmetics its prime use is as a stabilizer. Its ability to bind to metal ions, or chelate, lengthens the shelf life of many cosmetic and personal-care products. A different grade of Disodium Edta is used in beverages, but the function is the same. It is also a popular alternative therapy. Chelation therapy theory is that Edta taken orally or intravenously will bind to metals in the body so they will be expelled with urine. There are claims that chelation can successfully treat arthritis, multiple sclerosis and even cancer, but the American Cancer Society has found no evidence for this.

    Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate

    • These additives appear in foodstuffs to enhance the flavor of pre-packaged and fast foods. They are very similar in that both are components of nucleotides that occur naturally in meat and carry information to the brain. Used together they often replace monosodium glutamate in foods, which lowers the overall salt content while magnifying taste. Both additives are approved by the FDA and commonly found in soups, sauces, meats and noodle premixes.

    Disodium Hydrogenn Phosphate

    • Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate has many synonyms, including Disodium Phosphate, Disodium Orthophosphate and DSP. It is a white crystalline powder and is sanctioned by the FDA to appear in cheese products and frozen desserts, cereals and pasta. It enhances the characteristics of food and is used as an antioxidant synergist. In Europe it appears on labels as E339. It is also an anti corrosive and buffering agent in cosmetics.

    Disodium Balsalazide

    • Disodium Balsalazide is used to relieve inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and, taken orally, can reduce rectal pain and bleeding. It is activated by the bacteria already present in the colon. Side effects include headaches, nausea and vomiting, and the treatment cannot be used on patients with a history of renal failure.

Healthy Eating - Related Articles