What is in Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel?

Forever Living Products' Aloe Vera Gel has been declared by the Food and Drug Research Laboratories, Inc. of New York to be ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL to that found in a fresh leaf. In order to preserve the nutritional potency of raw Aloe Vera Gel, it must be stabilised, and this process inevitably involved the addition of small quantities of other ingredients.

Ascorbic Acid - (otherwise known as vitamin C) is essential for the formation of intercellular collagen as well as the maintenance of tooth structures, matrix of bones and capillary walls. It is also necessary for wound healing, facilitates the absorption of iron and is widely used to help prevent colds. Vitamin C is found in all living plant and animal cells. Sorbitol is the raw material for the production of Ascorbic Acid.

Citric Acid - Produced from sugar solutions and citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. It is widely used in the food industry and can be used as a pH adjuster and antioxidant. It can also retard metallic reactions. It is involved in the Krebs energy cycle which occurs in all cells of the body. It has been used to dissolve urinary bladder calculi and it acts as a mild astringent.

Potassium Sorbate - The potassium salt of Sorbic Acid (found naturally in fresh berries of Mountain Ash) is a natural buffering and flavouring agent which helps protect the freshness of the Aloe.

Sodium Benzoate - Naturally occurring flavouring, derived from fruits such as blackberries and other mountain berries. It helps stabilise and prevent bacterial growth during product usage. In the gel, it is used in quantities of less than 0.1% to prevent spoilage after the bottle has been opened.

Sorbitol - This is an excellent conditioning agent which aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. It is naturally occurring in several fruits and has slight sweetening properties, which can help improve taste. Sorbitol is often used as a sweetener in diabetic products. There are two forms of sorbitol used: sorbitol crystals which are in solid form and contain no water and aqueous sorbitol which is in liquid form and is derived from specially processed maize. It is acceptable to people with coeliac disease (gluten sensitive).

Tocopherol - (Vitamin E) An essential vitamin for man, it is well known for its health related properties. It is a natural antioxidant, derived from wheat germ oil, rice kernel and other vegetable oils.

Xanthan Gum - Derived from plants such as kelp, it is a natural stabilising and emulsifying agent.