Nanoingrediënten

Nanoingrediënten are substances where at least one dimension is in the nanoscale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. This size gives them unique physical and chemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts. In food, nanoingrediënten can be used as additives to enhance texture, color, or nutritional value, or as coatings to improve shelf life. For example, some nanoencapsulated vitamins are developed to increase their stability and bioavailability. The use of nanoingrediënten in food products is a subject of ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny.

The term "nanoingrediënten" refers to ingredients deliberately engineered at the nanoscale. This can involve the production of nanoparticles, nanotubes, or nanosheets. Due to their small size, nanoingrediënten have a very large surface area to volume ratio, which can lead to increased reactivity and different interactions with biological systems. In the context of food, they are often incorporated to achieve specific functional goals. This might include improving the dispersion of flavors, enhancing the solubility of certain nutrients like CoQ10, or creating novel food structures.

The safety of nanoingrediënten in food is a key area of discussion. Regulatory bodies worldwide are developing frameworks to assess and manage the potential risks associated with these materials. This includes evaluating their potential for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body, as well as their long-term effects. Consumers and industry stakeholders alike are seeking clear guidance and robust scientific data to ensure the safe and responsible use of nanoingrediënten in the food supply.