Sucrose Stearate
Also known as: Sucrose stearate, Sucrose octadecanoate, Sucrose fatty acid ester (specifically with stearate), Sucrose Stearate
Overview
Sucrose stearate is a synthetic ester derived from sucrose and stearic acid, functioning primarily as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, improve product texture, and enhance the delivery of active ingredients. As a saccharide ester, it is produced industrially and not naturally occurring. Key characteristics include its biodegradability and general recognition as safe (GRAS) for food use. Different grades are available for specific applications, such as pharmaceutical (e.g., oral formulations) and cosmetic uses. Research primarily focuses on its physicochemical properties and safety assessments rather than direct health effects. While clinical research on direct health benefits or risks is limited, sucrose stearate is considered a safe and effective excipient for various formulations. It is also used in capsule coatings and as a surfactant in formulations.
Benefits
Sucrose stearate primarily offers technological benefits in formulations rather than direct nutritional or therapeutic effects. It improves emulsification and stability, enhancing the texture and shelf-life of products. For instance, studies show that adding sucrose stearate to food products like Samgyetang (Korean chicken soup) improved color stability and fatty acid profile during storage without significantly affecting composition or texture. Modified forms, such as phosphorylated sucrose stearate, exhibit enhanced solubility and emulsifying properties, potentially reducing viscosity and inhibiting retrogradation in starchy foods. These benefits are immediate upon formulation and persist during the product's shelf-life. There are no established direct nutritional or therapeutic benefits for human populations.
How it works
Sucrose stearate functions by reducing surface tension and forming micelles, which stabilize emulsions. It is not a bioactive compound in the traditional sense and primarily acts through physicochemical interactions rather than direct biological pathways. Its interaction with body systems is minimal, with limited systemic absorption. Instead, it primarily acts in the gastrointestinal tract as an excipient or emulsifier. Sucrose stearate is metabolized into sucrose and fatty acids, which are then absorbed normally. It does not have any known molecular targets within the body, as its effects are based on its surfactant properties.
Side effects
Sucrose stearate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use and approved for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Safety assessments indicate low toxicity and good tolerability. There are no commonly reported side effects (>5%) associated with its use. Uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects are also undocumented in the literature. No known drug interactions or contraindications have been established. Given its widespread use and safety profile, sucrose stearate is presumed safe for the general population, including for oral pharmaceutical use. However, as with any excipient, individuals with specific sensitivities should exercise caution.
Dosage
Dosage guidelines for sucrose stearate are not based on direct health effects but rather on formulation requirements. The optimal dosage range varies by product type, typically used at low concentrations (e.g., 0.1–5% w/w) as an emulsifier. There is no established toxic dose, and safety margins are considered wide. It is incorporated during product manufacturing, and timing considerations are not relevant for individual consumption. Pharmaceutical-grade sucrose stearate (SE 5S, SE 11S, SE 15S) is recommended for oral formulations, while cosmetic grades are also available. Due to limited systemic absorption, absorption factors are not a primary concern, as it is metabolized into components that are naturally absorbed.
FAQs
Is sucrose stearate safe for consumption?
Yes, sucrose stearate is considered safe and is widely used in food and pharmaceutical products as an emulsifier and surfactant.
Does sucrose stearate provide nutritional benefits?
No, sucrose stearate does not offer direct nutritional or therapeutic benefits; it primarily functions as an emulsifier to improve product texture and stability.
Can sucrose stearate cause allergic reactions?
There are no significant reports of allergies or intolerance associated with sucrose stearate.
Is sucrose stearate absorbed or metabolized?
Sucrose stearate is hydrolyzed into sucrose and stearic acid, which are then absorbed normally by the body.
How does sucrose stearate improve product quality?
It stabilizes emulsions, improves texture, and extends the shelf-life of various products by acting as an effective emulsifier.
Research Sources
- https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/839/864/RUG01-002839864_2020_0001_AC.pdf – This thesis evaluates sucrose stearate as a surfactant, confirming that pharmaceutical-grade sucrose stearate meets standards for oral formulations. The study assessed solubility, surface tension, and micelle formation, providing valuable data for formulation science. However, it is important to note that the research is not clinical and focuses on physicochemical properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4662231/ – This experimental food science study examined the effects of sucrose stearate addition on the quality of Samgyetang (Korean chicken soup). The addition of sucrose stearate improved color stability and fatty acid profile during 12 months of storage without significantly affecting texture or proximate composition. The findings are specific to the food matrix studied and lack human clinical data.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/SACEST062016tent.pdf – This review and safety assessment of saccharide esters in cosmetics analyzed animal toxicology data. The assessment found low toxicity, rapid metabolism to CO2 and excreta, and no adverse effects at tested doses. The data is based on animal studies, and no human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15612793/ – This experimental chemical modification study investigated the improvement of functional properties through phosphorylation of sucrose stearate. The study found that phosphorylated sucrose stearate showed enhanced emulsifying properties and Ca2+ binding, reducing starch paste viscosity. The research was conducted in vitro and lacks clinical data.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10915818211016378 – This is a safety assessment of saccharide esters, including sucrose stearate, used in cosmetics. The assessment concludes that these ingredients are of low toxicity and are rapidly metabolized and excreted, showing no adverse effects at tested doses. The assessment relies on animal data and does not include human RCTs.
