Sequestrant
A sequestrant is a food additive which improves the quality and stability of foods. A sequestrant forms chelate complexes with polyvalent metal ions, especially copper, iron and nickel. This can prevent the oxidation of the fats in the food. Sequestrants are therefore a type of preservative.
The name comes from Latin and means "to withdraw from use".
Common sequestrants are:
- Calcium chloride
- Calcium acetate
- Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate
- Glucono delta-lactone
- Sodium gluconate
- Potassium gluconate
- Sodium tripolyphosphate
- Sodium hexametaphosphate