Carboxymethyl inulin
Other names: CMI
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Carboxymethyl inulin (CMI) is a chemical substance that is derived from inulin. Inulin is a polysaccharide that is found in high concentrations in some plant species such as chicory. When processed, inulin is reacted with chloroacetic acid, which converts it to carboxymethyl inulin. This substance is highly soluble in water and forms a viscous gel in aqueous solutions. CMI is commonly used in several different industries due to its unique chemical and physical properties.
Carboxymethyl inulin has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agrochemical industries. In the food industry, CMI is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier or thickener in a wide range of products such as beverages, ice cream, sauces, jams, as well as in bakery and confectionery. The pharmaceutical industry, on the other hand, uses CMI in the manufacture of cholesterol-lowering drugs or as a component of oral dosage forms. Furthermore, due to its moisturizing properties, CMI is widely used in the cosmetics industry, where it is a component of creams, shampoos, conditioners and other products for skin and hair. In agrochemicals, CMI is used as a component of fertilizers and pesticides, where it helps to improve the absorption of active substances by plants.