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Medicinal Uses for Malic Acid
The sour taste so prevalent in “extreme” candy and gum is a product of malic acid, an organic compound known chemically as C4H6O5. Isolated in 1785 from apple juice, it was given the Latin name acide malique (acid apple). However, the tartness of malic acid, produced naturally by all organisms, is used for far more than a food additive. It has a starring role for a variety of applications in many medicines.
In both plants and animals, malic acid steps up the metabolic rate by its use in the Krebs cycle, which converts carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into useable energy and water. Without adequate malic acid, the Krebs cycle activity ceases and the body feels the effects as fatigue. Many patients suffering from fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue, experience short-term relief with supplemental malic acid. Pain management may begin in two days or less following a regimen containing malic acid.
The stimulation of the metabolic rate affects many individuals needing an energy boost. Athletes note improved sports performance when malic acid supplements are part of their regimen.
As an astringent, malic acid applied to the skin’s surface sloughs away dead skin cells that normally block pores and cause acne. It is also antibacterial in nature to stave off skin infections.
The body produces less collagen as it ages. Collagen builds and repairs skin cells, and its waning significantly increases the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. Malic acid penetrates the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, to the collagen-producing dermis, where it stimulates collagen production. More collagen equates to fewer wrinkles.
Malic acid is a mouthwash and toothpaste additive since it enhances the production of saliva. Saliva washes away oral bacteria, and the acidic environment created when malic acid enters the mouth acts as an antiseptic to help kill remaining bacteria.
Learn more about malic acid and other important chemicals that aid your body by contacting the knowledgeable representatives at Jacksonville chemical supplier, Bell Chem, at (407) 339-BELL (2355), or browse the website for information on their entire chemical lineup.
Caffeine: Its Positive and Negative Effects on Your Health
Caffeine is a stimulant used in a variety of foods, beverages, and medicines. While you may be familiar with the caffeine content in many of the products you use, such as coffee and chocolate, caffeine also lurks in pain relief medication and as a treatment for apnea. To understand how caffeine affects you, either positively or negatively, Tampa chemical supplier, Bell Chem, invites you to read below.
Caffeine reduces drowsiness; as such it is an active ingredient in medication to keep you awake and alert.
Thoughts are faster and clearer when the body ingests caffeine because it is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant: caffeine is soluble in both water and lipids and, as such, diffuses over the blood-brain barrier. Caffeine is structurally similar to adenosine, a chemical that produces a cellular response that acts as a depressant. The similarity in structure causes cells to accept caffeine as a substitute for adenosine in adenosine receptors in the CNS. The change from a depressant to a stimulant increases focus and coordination.
Athletes use caffeine to enhance sports performance in sprints, endurance activities, and a number of team sports. By decreasing neuronal activation thresholds, caffeine seemingly reduces an athlete’s perception of effort, thereby stimulating additional muscle recruitment. While thousands of athletes stand behind caffeine’s effects on stamina, scientists report the results are unsubstantial.
Premature infants are treated with caffeine for bronchopulmonary dysplasia because it relaxes the muscles within the bronchioles to increase oxygen uptake. Its use also increases weight gain in infants since it is a metabolic stimulant and reduces language and cognitive delays when used over a short period of time.
Overconsumption of caffeine may produce caffeine dependency, a condition highlighted by nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and headaches.
Caffeine’s metabolic stimulation increases respiration, which rushes more oxygen to hungry cells. While the heart rate is reduced, force of contraction within the heart, along with constriction of blood vessels, increases blood pressure.
Caffeine is reported to increase fat utilization by stimulating epinephrine in the bloodstream. The fat oxidized in the blood spares the glycogen stored in cells, which boosts athletic performance and acts as an aid in diabetes maintenance.
In small to average doses, caffeine keeps the body in an increased state of readiness. This state is acceptable at certain times, but an onslaught of caffeine may prove detrimental to the body’s homeostasis. Learn more about caffeine and other chemicals by browsing the rest of the website, or calling the Tampa chemical supplier experts at (407) 339-BELL (2355).
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a highly caustic white solid known colloquially as lye or caustic soda. Many industries utilize sodium hydroxide to increase the alkalinity of a chemical mixture or to neutralize acids. It is best used in water, ethanol and methanol, where it is completely soluble. These simple chemical properties give it unique qualities for use in the following industries. Tampa chemical supplier, Bell Chem, explains this versatile chemical below.
Pulp and paper use sodium hydroxide as a strong chemical base and to separate lignin from cellulose fibers.
Sodium hydroxide is also used in soap, detergent, and drain cleaners.
Solid sodium hydroxide in water is extremely exothermic; it generates a large proportion of heat. This reaction is helpful to catalyze many reactions.
Drilling in the petroleum industry utilizes sodium hydroxide as an additive; it increases alkalinity in bentonite mud systems to increase mud viscosity and neutralize acid gases.
Crude oil treated with sodium hydroxide removes sulfur impurities.
For centuries, sodium hydroxide has been used in home soap making, known as cold process soap.
Anhydrous sodium hydroxide catalyzes the transesterification of methanol and triglycerides in the manufacturing of biodiesel. An experimental technology to create a synthetic gasoline also uses sodium hydroxide.
Many foods contain sodium hydroxide: olives are softened in NaOH before canning, chocolate and soft drink utilize it in their processing, it adds color to caramel, washing and chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables occurs with NaOH, it acts as a thickening agent in ice cream, and as a glaze on German pretzels to create the crispy, light crust.
Many cleansers add sodium hydroxide to clean storage tanks and process equipment since it dissolves grease, oil, fat, and protein deposits.
In the home, sodium hydroxide is an excellent drain cleaner since it dissolves grease and oil as well as the proteins in hair often responsible in clogging drains. The heat produced by the combination of sodium hydroxide and water catalyzes the cleansing action.
The commercial uses for sodium hydroxide are varied and important; ensure your business has sodium hydroxide on hand to clean, catalyze, treat, and exothermically react chemicals and manufacturing equipment. For more information concerning sodium hydroxide or any of our other products, call Tampa chemical supplier Bell Chem at 407-339-BELL (2355) or contact us online.
Sodium Chloride – It’s Not Just for Food
You may know sodium chloride by its common name: table salt. Derived from the evaporation of saltwater, more than 270 million tons of sodium chloride becomes the basis of thousands of industrial uses. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is most recognized for its use in the food industry as a condiment and preservative. A plethora of other manufacturing areas utilize salt as well. Jacksonville chemical supplier, Bell Chem, explains.
Sodium chloride is used in de-icing roadways during winter storms; it interferes with the snow and ice bonding with the road surface.
NaCl is used as a major feedstock for chemical synthesis of sodium and chlorine compounds.
In these first two uses – de-icing and chemical synthesis –250 megatons of sodium chloride are usurped annually.
Processing sodium chloride creates sodium carbonate and calcium chloride. Sodium carbonate is the component in manufacturing glass, dyes, and sodium bicarbonate.
The exploration of gas and oil relies on sodium chloride as a drilling fluid component as well as a flocculant.
Sodium chloride increases concrete curing in cemented casings.
Many highways are constructed on a foundation of sodium chloride and soil since NaCl secures the soil and provides firmness to the foundation.
Sodium chloride standardizes dyes by blending with concentrated dyes and is also used as a brine rinse to separate organic contaminants.
Chlorine dioxide, which is chemically derived from sodium chlorate and sulfuric acid, is a chlorine alternative for bleaching that is gaining popularity because it is more environmentally friendly.
Sodium chloride bleaches wood pulp.
Many metals, including aluminum, beryllium, copper, steel, and vanadium, use NaCl in processing.
NaCl inhibits microbial activity while treating and tanning leather and pulls moisture into the animal hide.
Sodium chloride acts as a coagulant in the manufacture of rubber.
In water softening, sodium chloride inhibits saponification by acting as an ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions.
Foods can be preserved with sodium chloride because microorganisms cannot live in its extreme saline environment.
Sodium chloride has uses well beyond the food industry. Find out more about NaCl and other chemicals by browsing our website or call 407-339-BELL (2355) to speak with one of our knowledgeable Jacksonville chemical supplier professionals.
Medical Uses of Potassium Citrate
When potassium bicarbonate and a solution of citric acid are combined, an effervescent action occurs due to an acid/base reaction. The resulting salt that forms when the acid and base are evaporated is potassium citrate. This salt has proven quite valuable to the medical industry; doctors have been treating patients with kidney stones for years with a supplement of potassium citrate. Tampa chemical supplier, Bell Chem, explains why potassium citrate is the prescription of choice for patients with kidney stones and other urinary tract disorders.
Patients who suffer from kidney stones often take thiazide to manage kidney stones. The thiazide depletes the body of potassium; potassium citrate replaces this lost mineral.
Patients whose urine is highly acidic experience intense pain when urinating. Potassium citrate neutralizes the acid content in urine, thereby relieving much of the discomfort while reducing the frequency of urination.
Uric acid and cysteine are prevalent in the human body.Too much of either can lead to kidney stones (urinary calculi), uric acid, cysteine, or calcium stones. A regimen containing potassium citrate regulates acidity and keeps the body in homeostasis. In a recent study, the use of potassium citrate reduced the amount of kidney stones by 75%; this supplement attaches to calcium and keeps individual crystals from adhering to each other and forming painfully large mineral crystals.
Calcium stones are formed when too little citrate is in the urine. Potassium citrate prevents this occurrence.
In patients who are chronically hypokalemic, potassium citrate is administered to treat and manage gout and heart arrhythmias.
Cystitis (urinary tract infection) may be treated with potassium citrate, at which time it acts as an alkalizing agent.
For the prevention of kidney stones and other urinary tract related disorders, the administration of potassium citrate may relieve or prevent all these disorders. For questions about potassium citrate, or any of our other products, call Tampa chemical supplier Bell Chem at 407-339-BELL (2355) or you can contact us online.
Menthol Crystals in Cosmetics and Pharmacy
When consumers think of menthol, a cool, refreshing feeling of fresh mint immediately comes to mind, and with good reason: menthol is a derivative of corn mint (Mentha arvensis) or other various mint plants. It causes the skin to react in much the same manner as capsaicin, except cold receptors are activated rather than heat receptors. Since neither menthol nor capsaicin physically changes the temperature of the area they touch, they can be used in ice or hot packs, or together in products such as Icy Hot. Beauty care chemical supplier, Bell Chem, explains this versatile chemical:
Menthol crystallizes at -22°C; the new product is known as menthol crystals. These crystals readily dissolve in alcohol or water. Because they have been concentrated, only a minute amount of menthol crystals are necessary for most applications.
Menthol crystals activate kappa-opioid receptors in the body, and thereby act as an analgesic, a substance that relieves pain. Voltage-sensitive sodium channels also react to menthol; menthol crystals reduce neural activity by raising the action potential in a neuron. Muscles move less frequently and experience less pain, which is why it is often used as an antispasmodic during surgical procedures involving smooth muscles.
Menthol crystals are an ingredient in many cosmetics because of their soothing coolness and brisk, refreshing smell. They are found in toothpaste and mouthwash to combat hallitosis, shampoo and conditioner promoting “natural ingredients”, perfumes with a rose fragrance since it enhances that specific floral odor, and shaving cream to alleviate razor burn.
The medicinal properties of menthol crystals place it among analgesics and antipruritics in pharmaceutical products. Salves, lip balms, medicated creams, sore throat sprays and lozenges, decongestants, liniments, compresses, cooling gels and medicated oils all contain menthol crystals.
Call the beauty care chemical supplier professionals at Bell Chem at (407) 339-2355 (BELL) to learn more about menthol crystals or any of our wide variety of chemicals for health, the home, or industrial use. You can contact us online.
The Many Faces of Propylene Glycol
How often do you hear of a chemical that acts as an antifreeze, can be used to create polymers in the plastics industry, yet is safe enough to be used in food? Propylene glycol meets all those requirements and can be used in these capacities as well as dozens of others. Industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem, discusses its uses:
Propylene glycol absorbs water to maintain a correct moisture balance in medicines, cosmetics and food products.
When mixed with water, propylene glycol is utilized in the entertainment industry and for fire training exercises; as the ingredients added to a fog machine, the vaporization of this mixture is emitted as a dense fog. This same phenomenon works at home: propylene glycol is also used in home vaporizers.
In paints and plastics, propylene glycol is the choice for synthetic resins. In fact, a whopping 45% of propylene glycol produced is used as chemical feedstock in the production of unsaturated polyester resins.
Food colors and flavors have a propylene glycol base; it is almost completely odorless and tasteless and adds viscosity to products.
Electronic cigarettes utilize propylene glycol as its “e-liquid” with vegetable glycerin.
The pharmaceutical industry relies on propylene glycol as a solvent for many water insoluble oral, injectable, and topical drugs.
Ethylene glycol was the antifreeze of choice years ago, but this deadly concoction proved to be enticing for animals to consume. Propylene glycol is much safer for animals and consumers as a de-icing fluid.
Veterinarians find propylene glycol helpful in the oral treatment of hyperketonaemia in animals with a rumen.
The food industry adds propylene glycol to liquid sweeteners, ice cream, soda, whipped cream, and coffee-based beverages.
Learn more about this multifaceted chemical by calling industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem at (407) 339-BELL (2355) and speaking with one of our knowledgeable representatives. You can also contact us online.
Calcium Lactate for Your Health
Calcium lactate, chemically known as C6H10CaO6, is a derivative of the chemical reaction of lactic acid on calcium carbonate. While it may appear as either a black or white crystalline salt, it is more commonly utilized in its white form. Orlando chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has a review on how calcium lactate complements the body’s many functions.
Calcium lactate supports calcium and magnesium absorption.
Magnesium is a necessary component for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and transporting calcium and potassium across cell membranes.
Calcium channels are present on almost every cell of the body. Calcium in the form of calcium lactate keeps cell membrane permeability in balance and maintains cell membranes in general.
In the body, calcium maintains many of the body’s vital functions. Nerves, cells, muscles, and bones rely on calcium to perform their everyday tasks. Without an ample supply of calcium in the blood, it is leached from the bone’s reserves, leading to low bone density.
In nerves, calcium acts as a positive ion to increase the likelihood of an action potential to move information from one nerve cell to the next. A lack of calcium will deter signals from transmitting from the brain throughout the body.
Sugar-free foods often contain acids that cause dental erosion, which slowly decalcifies the teeth. When added to sugar-free gum and candy, calcium crystals remineralize tooth enamel, thereby negating the effects of the acid.
Blood needs calcium to coagulate, and the blood vessels require calcium for vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Calcium lactate supports the body’s immune system.
With the ability to act under a wide range of pH conditions, calcium lactate can be taken orally without food or water.
For those who suffer any calcium deficiencies, either short-term (during pregnancy) or long-term (osteoporosis or osteomalacia), calcium lactate may mean the difference between being alive and living well. Contact our Orlando chemical supplier experts at Bell Chem to learn more about calcium lactate or our other health, beauty, and industrial chemicals. You can contact us online, or call us at (407) 339-BELL (2355).
Ascorbic Acid Uses Outside the Food Industry
Ascorbic acid is a singular component of vitamin C. In fact, it surrounds the other components that create the entire vitamin C complex. Science has been able to synthesize this portion of vitamin C and use its properties in many non-food industries. Water treatment chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has complied a sample of how ascorbic acid is utilized industrially.
Ascorbic acid acts as a preservative and reductant during photographic development.
Swimming pool companies use ascorbic acid to remove dissolved metal stains, namely iron, from the sides of pools. Because it is an acid, it has the ability to lower the pH of pool water and stabilize the other chemicals.
Iodine is another metal that ascorbic acid negates, so it is routinely added to water purification systems to remove the taste, smell, and color of iodine in sterilized water.
Microscopists working with fluorescent microscopy find ascorbic acid’s antioxidant ability increases the fluorescent signaling and reduces dye photobleaching in slide preparation.
Ascorbic acid catalyzes the assembly of molecular chains in plastic manufacturing.
Recent pharmaceutical trials of topical ascorbic acid have proved it reduces the appearance of fine lines and age spots significantly. A double-blind trial had a remarkable 73.7% success rate with participants who applied an ascorbic acid solution to one side of their face and a placebo on the opposite side. Both clinicians and patients noted the improvement.
Take a second look at ascorbic acid – it’s not just for food preservation any more. Water treatment chemical supplier Bell Chem’s knowledgeable representatives would be glad to answer your questions regarding ascorbic acid, or any of their other chemicals. Call today at (407) 339-2355 (BELL) or browse our website.
Food and Pharmaceutical Uses of Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin appears on the labels of many foods, from sugar substitutes to sodas. Why is it on the labels, and what role does it play in the food and beverage industries and pharmaceuticals? Nutritional chemical supplier, Bell Chem, has complied some of the uses of this versatile chemical:
Maltodextrin is produced via hydrolysis from starches, such as potatoes, corn, wheat, or barley.
Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it combines multiple simple sugars to build a lengthy chain of carbohydrates. Sugars and carbohydrates are closely related, and maltodextrin is complex enough to be classified as a carbohydrate on a food label, while maintaining the dextrose equivalent (DE) rating of 3 to 20.
The DE rating pertains to sweetness, length of glucose chains, solubility, and heat resistance. Below DE 10, substances are considered dextrins. Dextrins have long glucose chains, low sweetness values, low solubility, and high heat resistance.
Because it is an expedient source of energy, maltodextrin is regularly used by bodybuilders and endurance athletes to quickly rush energy to hungry cells.
In the beer industry, maltodextrin is added while beer is aging to increase the specific gravity of the final product without changing the alcohol content or flavor of the beverage. Maltodextrin also improves beer’s “mouthfeel”, retains the frothy head consumers appreciate, and reduces drink dryness.
The most common use of maltodextrin is as a food thickener, where it adds volume and texture to oatmeal, sauces, and salad dressings, for example, while increasing their overall appearance.
Sugar substitutes are not measured 1:1 with traditional table sugar. To keep consumers from adding too much sugar substitute, which is generally much sweeter than sucrose at a greatly reduced volume, maltodextrin is added, giving sugar substitutes more bulk to equalize their use to sugar.
Much like in the food industry, in pharmaceuticals, maltodextrin acts as a filler. Capsules often contain maltodextrin since it neither adds nor detracts from the medicinal content while stabilizing the drugs.
Call Bell Chem (407) 339-BELL (2355) to learn more about maltodextrin or any of the other chemicals we sell, or browse our website.