alginates Salts of alginic acid found in many seaweeds as calcium salts or the free acid. Chemically, alginic acid is a non‐starch polysaccharide composed of mannuronic acid units.

Iron, magnesium, and ammonium salts of alginic acid form viscous solutions and hold large amounts of water. They are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling, binding, and emulsifying agents in food manufacture, especially in ice cream and synthetic cream. Trade name Manucol.

alginates (al-jin-ayts) pl. n. complex carbohydrates, derived from certain seaweeds, that readily absorb water to form a gel. They are included in many antacid preparations (e.g. Gastrocote, Gaviscon) for the relief of heartburn caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux and are also used in dressings for exuding wounds.