E239 is a designation for hexamethylene tetramine. When you come across a food supplement with this index, you should know that it most likely refers to preservatives.
It also serves to properly store the products, so that they do not develop bacteria or fungi.
Here's what else you need to know about E239
This substance has the physical characteristics of vitreous beads or occurs as an odorless powder with a slightly sweet taste.
E239 is obtained when ammonia condenses with formaldehyde. The impurities in the substance are the free formaldehyde, the ammonium salt and the resulting polymers.
It is important to know that the permissible ratio of use of the substance is 0.15 mg per kilogram of weight.
In most countries of the world, this supplement is strictly prohibited. Only in Europe it is allowed in cheese production, but in limited quantities.
Regarding its effect on humans, E239 is strictly prohibited for consumption by children. On older organisms, it acts as a cell poison because of formaldehyde in the composition, which is released in an acidic environment. This process is usually slow.
Methenamine can be used as a disinfectant for the excretory system, as it is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
It is generally accepted that E239 is a substance that causes cancer and the development of various types of allergies, most often skin allergies.
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