Sodium Alginate is a gum obtained as a sodium salt of alginic acid, which is obtained from seaweed. it is cold and hot-water soluble, producing a range of viscosities. it forms irreversible gels with calcium salts or acids. it functions as a thickener, binder, and gelling agent in dessert gels, puddings, sauces, toppings, and edible films. In the manufacture of ice cream where it serves as a stabilizing colloid, insuring creamy texture and preventing the growth of ice crystals. In drilling muds; in coatings; in the flocculation of solids in water treatment; as sizing agent; thickener; emulsion stabilizer; suspending agent in soft drinks; in dental impression preparations. Pharmaceutic aid (suspending agent).