Ingredient Information

Function

Ammonium bicarbonate is a chemical compound used as a leavening agent to makes dough rise. It is primarily used in the production of cookies, crackers and other crunchy baked goods. Ammonium bicarbonate was used as leavening before baking powder was introduced.

Other Use and Industries

Ammonium bicarbonate is used as a fertilizer. It is used to make fire extinguishers, dyes, medicines, pigments and also used in the leather industry for tanning and in the manufacture of ceramics. Ammonium bicarbonate is used as buffer during chemical reactions.

Health Effects

Ammonium Bicarbonate is an alkaline substance and is linked in the treatment of cancer by altering the PH levels of the cancer cells and helping to destroy them. It also helps treat kidney or heart diseases and is also linked in the treatment of the common cold and the flu by killing the virus via changing the PH levels, as these viruses and bacteria thrive in acidic conditions.

Ammonium bicarbonate is known to irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

Origins

Ammonium bicarbonate is made by various chemical processes. Originally, it was made by heating organic matter rich in nitrogen like hair or decomposed urine.