De Cecco Enriched Macaroni Product Small Shells No 52
Analysis updated April 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This pasta is made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, which is minimally processed and retains much of its natural nutritional value. The product has a clean label with a short ingredient list, and while it includes ferrous lactate as an additive for iron fortification, it does not contain any harmful substances typically found in more processed foods. Its low level of processing and absence of artificial additives contribute to its high rating.
Key ingredients 7
NiacinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
High doses can lead to skin flushing and, in extreme cases, liver damage.
Benefits
Essential for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
RiboflavinGood
Essential B vitamin — beneficial micronutrient.
Benefits
Essential for energy production and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
Durum wheat semolinaNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Contains gluten, which may cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Benefits
Rich in protein and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet and providing energy.
Ferrous lactateNeutral
Ferrous lactate is an iron supplement used to fortify foods and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is a bioavailable form of iron, making it effective for increasing iron levels. However, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Risks
May cause gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or nausea in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps prevent iron deficiency anemia by providing a bioavailable source of iron.
Thiamine mononitrateNeutral
Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 used to fortify foods. It is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. While beneficial, it is typically added to compensate for nutrient loss during processing.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and proper nerve function.
Folic acidNeutral
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used to fortify foods and prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. While beneficial, excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency.
Risks
Excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
Benefits
Prevents neural tube defects and supports DNA synthesis and repair.
Ferrous lactate (E585)Bad
Ferrous lactate, also known as E585, is used as an iron fortification agent in foods. While it helps prevent iron deficiency, it is considered an additive and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Its use as an additive can be seen as unnecessary in a minimally processed product.
Risks
May cause gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or nausea in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a bioavailable source of iron to help prevent deficiency.
Processing
Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods
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