FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lithotamnion Calcareum Powder (CAS: 223751-73-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Lithotamnion calcareum powder
- CAS Number: 223751-73-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from red algae
- Source: Lithotamnion calcareum is a type of red algae found in marine environments, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean.
Lithotamnion calcareum powder is a natural complex material, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, magnesium, and trace elements. It is derived from calcified red algae and is used in various applications due to its mineral content. The composition of this material can vary depending on the geographical origin and environmental conditions of the algae.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lithotamnion calcareum powder is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavors or fragrances. It does not have a distinct odor or flavor profile that contributes to sensory applications. Instead, its primary use is related to its mineral content and functional properties in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lithotamnion calcareum is naturally found in marine environments, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean. It forms through the accumulation of calcium carbonate in the cell walls of the red algae. This process results in a calcified structure that is harvested and processed into powder form. The material is often marketed as a natural source of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Lithotamnion calcareum powder is not commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its lack of distinct sensory properties. However, it may be included in food products as a source of minerals or as a functional ingredient to enhance nutritional content. Typical use levels in food products are not well-documented, but it is generally used in small quantities to avoid altering the sensory characteristics of the product.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
This material is not typically used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of volatile aromatic compounds. Its primary applications are outside the realm of traditional fragrance development, focusing instead on its mineral content and potential health benefits.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Calcium Carbonate: Major component, providing mineral content
- Magnesium: Present in significant amounts
- Trace Elements: Including iron, manganese, and zinc
The composition of lithotamnion calcareum powder can vary based on the origin and environmental conditions of the algae. This variability should be considered when formulating products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA; used as a dietary supplement
- European Union: Recognized as a natural source of minerals; subject to general food safety regulations
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit
- Asia: Usage varies; generally recognized as a mineral supplement
- Latin America: Usage as a mineral supplement is common; specific regulations may vary by country
Lithotamnion calcareum powder is generally recognized for its mineral content rather than as a flavor or fragrance ingredient. Regulatory status may vary based on its intended use as a dietary supplement or functional ingredient.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally considered safe when used as a dietary supplement; no specific ADI or MSDI established
- Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its primary use as a dietary supplement
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility; not a concern for inhalation exposure
The safety profile of lithotamnion calcareum powder is primarily related to its use as a mineral supplement. It is considered safe for consumption within recommended limits, but excessive intake may lead to mineral imbalances.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lithotamnion calcareum powder is valued for its mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. It is often used in dietary supplements and functional foods to enhance nutritional value. Formulators should consider the variability in mineral content based on the source and ensure that the inclusion of this material does not adversely affect the sensory properties of the final product.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on lithotamnion calcareum powder is well-established in terms of its mineral content and general safety as a dietary supplement. However, specific sensory and flavor applications are not well-documented, reflecting its primary use outside traditional flavor and fragrance contexts.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for this material)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
Citation hooks: (internal)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-09-07 09:43:51 GMT (p2)