Alum is a crystal extracted from alunite. The main component of alum is potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate. Alum, as a food additive, will be absorbed in a small part. Aluminum in alum is not a trace element needed by human body, but it belongs to light metal.

Only continuous excessive intake will affect the absorption of iron, calcium and other components, leading to anemia and osteoporosis. The main toxic side effect is that alum can inhibit brain cells and cause brain atrophy, dementia and other symptoms in advance.

China banned the use of aluminum tableware and alum as food additives as early as 1980s. In 2003, the World Health Organization listed alum as a harmful food additive.

Extended data:

efficacy

1, anti-trichomonas vaginalis effect: 10% alum solution has obvious anti-trichomonas vaginalis effect in test tubes (the ratio of culture solution to liquid medicine is 1: 1).

2, the role of coagulation protein: Alum has a strong coagulation protein effect. Drop a few drops of alum into the serum, and you can immediately see that it combines into insoluble matter and precipitates. Low concentration has astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, while high concentration causes tissue ulceration. Because oral administration is irritating, it is only for external use.

3. Other effects: Alum has astringent effect.

References:

Baidu encyclopedia-alum