Comparing E223 - Sodium metabisulphite vs E920 - l-cysteine

Synonyms
E223
Sodium metabisulphite
Pyrosulphite
Sodium metabisulfite
Pyrosulfite
E920
l-cysteine
L-cysteine hydrochloride
L-Cysteine
L-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid
L-Cys
(R)-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid
(2R)-2-amino-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
(2R)-2-amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid
Products

Found in 2,840 products

Found in 666 products

Search rank & volume
#1547.8K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2014.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.40
under-aware

×0.91
normal

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 8 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is sodium metabisulfite bad for you?

    For most people it isn’t “bad” at the low levels used in foods, but sulfite‑sensitive individuals (including some asthmatics) can have reactions such as wheezing, hives, or headaches. Regulators set a group ADI for sulfites of 0–0.7 mg SO2 equivalents per kg body weight per day.

  2. Is sodium metabisulfite safe?

    Yes—E223 is an approved preservative/antioxidant when used within regulated limits, though sulfites must be declared on labels and can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive people and some asthmatics.

  3. Is sodium metabisulfite gluten free?

    Yes. It’s a synthetic inorganic salt and contains no gluten; any gluten risk would come from other ingredients or cross-contact, not the additive itself.

  4. What is sodium metabisulfite used for?

    It’s used as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent browning and microbial spoilage in foods and drinks (e.g., wine, cider, dried fruits, seafood, potato products), and as a sanitizing agent for winemaking/brewing equipment.

  5. How much sodium metabisulfite per gallon of wine?

    To add about 50 mg/L (ppm) SO2 to 1 US gallon, use roughly 0.28 g sodium metabisulfite (about half a sodium Campden tablet); winemakers typically target 25–50 ppm free SO2 depending on pH and often use potassium metabisulfite instead.

  1. What is n-acetyl-l-cysteine?

    N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine (NAC) is the acetylated form of L‑cysteine, used mainly as a mucolytic drug and as a precursor to glutathione; it is related to but not the same as the food additive E920 (L‑cysteine).

  2. What is l-cysteine made of?

    L‑cysteine is a sulfur‑containing amino acid (C3H7NO2S) with a thiol (-SH) group. Commercially, it’s obtained by hydrolyzing keratin sources (e.g., feathers/hair) or produced via microbial fermentation or synthesis.

  3. Is cysteine l or d?

    In foods and proteins it is the L‑form (E920 is L‑cysteine); the D‑form exists but is not typical in food use.

  4. N-acetyl-l-cysteine para que sirve?

    Es un derivado acetilado de la L‑cisteína que actúa como mucolítico y precursor del glutatión; se usa como fármaco para la sobredosis de paracetamol y en suplementos con efectos antioxidantes. No es el aditivo alimentario E920.

  5. What does n-acetyl-l-cysteine do?

    It thins and loosens mucus, replenishes glutathione, and provides antioxidant activity; medically it’s used to treat acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. It is not typically used as a food additive like E920.