Calcium guanylate
Learn what Calcium guanylate (E629) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Calcium guanylate?
A food additive with the role of a flavor enhancer. It is the calcium salt of guanylic acid, a natural acid that is a component of ribonucleic acid. For industrial use, it is obtained from yeast or sardines, meaning it can have either plant or animal origin. Guanylates do not provide the 'umami' taste specific to glutamates, but they have the ability to enhance many natural flavors and tastes, thus reducing the amount of salt required. It is used in the amounts specified by recipes in all types of food products, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Why is Calcium guanylate added to food?
Calcium guanylate (E629) is a flavor enhancer commonly found in: Food products, alcoholic beverages.
Permitted quantity: No daily dose limit.
Is Calcium guanylate safe?
Low concern
No side effects have been reported.
Is Calcium guanylate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Calcium guanylate okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Calcium guanylate
- Food products
- alcoholic beverages
How to spot Calcium guanylate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E629
- Calcium guanylate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- caleium guanylate
- calcium guanyldte
- calcium quanylate
- ealcium guanylate
- calcium gudnylate
- calcium guanylate
- calclum guanylate
- cdlcium guanylate
Better alternatives
• Excessive consumption of calcium guanylate can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially an increase in calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can affect kidney and heart function. • People with kidney or heart conditions should be cautious, as calcium guanylate may contribute to excessive calcium buildup in the body. • It may cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and difficulty breathing, in people sensitive to food additives. • Frequent consumption in large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, including bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. • Excessive use may affect the body's mineral balance, interfering with the absorption of other essential nutrients.
Also known as
- caleium guanylate
- calcium guanyldte
- calcium quanylate
- ealcium guanylate
- calcium gudnylate
- calcium guanylate
- calclum guanylate
- cdlcium guanylate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Calcium guanylate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E629 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Calcium guanylate
- Is Calcium guanylate safe to eat?
- No side effects have been reported.
- Is Calcium guanylate banned anywhere?
- Calcium guanylate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Calcium guanylate safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Calcium guanylate on a food label?
- Look for E629, Calcium guanylate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: caleium guanylate, calcium guanyldte, calcium quanylate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.