Sodium lactate

Brief Overview

Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid. It is produced by fermenting sugar sucrose from corn or beets and then neutralizing it with lactic acid. It is widely used in the food industry as a preservative, acidity regulator, and thickener. It is also used for the regulation of acid-base imbalance in our bodies.

Manufacturing Process

Sugar is fermented using appropriate bacillus to produce lactic acid in the presence of an anti-acid like calcium carbonate, which will finally result in calcium lactate. The bacteria is then killed, and the solution is filtered. This solution is neutralised with a suitable acid like sodium carbonate. On further processing, sodium lactate is produced.

Food Industry

Sodium lactate is widely used in the food industry as a preservative, acidity regulator, and thickener. It is added to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. It is also added to dairy products, meats, seasonings, processed vegetables etc.

Cosmetic Industry 

Sodium lactate is an effective humectant and moisturizer, thus added in shampoos, creams, lotions, liquid soaps etc.