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Sodium Polyphosphate Side Effects: Understanding Risks and Benefits

What are the potential side effects of sodium polyphosphate. How does sodium phosphate impact health. Is sodium phosphate safe for consumption. What foods contain sodium phosphate. Who should avoid sodium phosphate.

What is Sodium Phosphate and Its Uses

Sodium phosphate is a term encompassing various combinations of sodium (salt) and phosphate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes food-grade sodium phosphate as safe for consumption. It serves multiple purposes in food manufacturing and is also found in household products and medications.

Key functions of sodium phosphate in food production include:

  • Thickening agent
  • Texture stabilizer
  • Meat curing agent
  • Leavening agent
  • Emulsifier
  • pH balancer

These properties make sodium phosphate a versatile additive in processed foods, enhancing shelf life, taste, and texture.

Common Sources of Sodium Phosphate in Diet

Sodium phosphate can be found naturally in some foods and is added to others during processing. Understanding these sources can help individuals manage their intake.

Natural Sources of Sodium Phosphate

Several foods contain naturally occurring sodium phosphate:

  • Nuts and legumes
  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Eggs

Processed Foods with Added Sodium Phosphate

Many processed foods contain added sodium phosphate:

  • Cured and deli meats
  • Fast food
  • Ready-to-eat meals
  • Commercially prepared baked goods
  • Cake mixes
  • Canned tuna

Potential Health Impacts of Sodium Phosphate

While the FDA categorizes food-grade sodium phosphate as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), some studies suggest potential health concerns associated with high intake levels.

Can sodium phosphate affect overall health? Research indicates that high levels of phosphate may be linked to increased mortality rates in the general population, as well as those with kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions. Some studies have associated elevated phosphate levels with accelerated aging and vascular damage.

Is there a difference between natural and added sodium phosphate? One study found that sodium phosphate used as a food additive may impact health differently than naturally occurring phosphate. This is due to differences in how the body absorbs these forms.

Sodium Phosphate in Athletic Performance

Some athletes use sodium phosphate supplements in an attempt to enhance their performance. However, research on its effectiveness is mixed.

Does sodium phosphate improve athletic performance? A study reported in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that sodium phosphate supplementation did not improve aerobic ability in athletes. This suggests that its use as a performance enhancer may not be justified.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Sodium Phosphate

While generally considered safe in food amounts, excessive intake of sodium phosphate can lead to adverse effects.

What are the symptoms of sodium phosphate overdose? Potential side effects may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Reduced urine output
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures

Who Should Avoid Sodium Phosphate?

Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid sodium phosphate entirely due to potential health risks.

Which health conditions may be incompatible with sodium phosphate intake? People with the following conditions should consult their healthcare provider before consuming sodium phosphate:

  • Kidney disease
  • Intestinal tears or blockages
  • Colitis
  • Slow-moving bowels
  • Heart failure
  • Allergy to sodium phosphate

It’s crucial to discuss your sodium phosphate intake with a healthcare professional, especially if you consume large amounts of processed foods or take it as a supplement.

Managing Sodium Phosphate Intake for Better Health

Given the potential risks associated with high sodium phosphate intake, it’s important to manage consumption, especially for those at higher risk.

How can one reduce sodium phosphate intake? Consider these strategies:

  1. Opt for fresh, whole foods over processed alternatives
  2. Read food labels carefully to identify added sodium phosphate
  3. Limit consumption of fast food and ready-to-eat meals
  4. Choose fresh meats over cured or deli meats
  5. Prepare baked goods at home using natural ingredients

Is it necessary to eliminate all sodium phosphate from the diet? Not necessarily. Naturally occurring sodium phosphate in foods like nuts, legumes, and lean meats can be part of a balanced diet. The main concern is with added sodium phosphate in processed foods.

Sodium Phosphate in Medical Applications

Beyond its use in food, sodium phosphate has various medical applications. Understanding these can provide a more comprehensive view of this compound’s role in health and medicine.

How is sodium phosphate used in medical settings? Some common medical uses include:

  • Bowel preparation before colonoscopy
  • Treatment of constipation
  • Electrolyte replacement in certain medical conditions

Are there risks associated with medical use of sodium phosphate? While generally safe when used as directed, medical applications of sodium phosphate can carry risks, especially for individuals with certain health conditions. Always follow healthcare provider instructions and report any adverse effects.

Sodium Phosphate in Bowel Preparation

One common medical use of sodium phosphate is in bowel preparation before colonoscopy procedures. How does this work? Sodium phosphate acts as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the bowel to cleanse it effectively. However, this use requires careful monitoring, especially in patients with kidney problems or electrolyte imbalances.

Regulatory Status and Safety Assessments of Sodium Phosphate

Understanding the regulatory status of sodium phosphate can provide context for its widespread use in food and medical applications.

How do regulatory bodies view sodium phosphate? The FDA categorizes food-grade sodium phosphate as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). This designation is based on its history of use and available scientific data. However, this status doesn’t mean it’s risk-free for all individuals or in all quantities.

Are there ongoing safety assessments of sodium phosphate? Regulatory bodies and researchers continue to study the long-term effects of sodium phosphate consumption. As new data emerges, recommendations may evolve.

International Perspectives on Sodium Phosphate

Regulations and perspectives on sodium phosphate can vary internationally. Some countries have stricter limits on its use in food products, while others align closely with FDA guidelines. This global variation highlights the ongoing discussions about optimal levels of sodium phosphate in the food supply.

Alternatives to Sodium Phosphate in Food Production

As awareness grows about potential health impacts of high sodium phosphate intake, there’s increasing interest in alternatives for food production.

What are some alternatives to sodium phosphate in food manufacturing? Some options include:

  • Natural thickeners like agar or carrageenan
  • Plant-based emulsifiers
  • Alternative preservation methods like high-pressure processing
  • Reformulation of products to rely less on additives

Are these alternatives as effective as sodium phosphate? While many alternatives can provide similar functions, they may affect taste, texture, or shelf life differently. Food manufacturers continue to research and develop new solutions to balance consumer health concerns with product quality and safety.

Consumer Demand for Cleaner Labels

Increasing consumer awareness about food additives has led to growing demand for “clean label” products with fewer artificial ingredients. This trend is pushing food manufacturers to reconsider their use of additives like sodium phosphate and explore natural alternatives.

Future Research Directions on Sodium Phosphate

As our understanding of nutrition and health evolves, so does the focus of research on compounds like sodium phosphate.

What areas of sodium phosphate research need more attention? Some key areas for future study include:

  • Long-term effects of regular consumption of added sodium phosphate
  • Differences in health impacts between naturally occurring and added sodium phosphate
  • Potential interactions between sodium phosphate and other food additives
  • Development of more sensitive biomarkers for phosphate levels in the body
  • Exploration of safe upper limits for sodium phosphate intake in various populations

How might future research impact sodium phosphate use? As more data becomes available, it could lead to refined guidelines for sodium phosphate use in food production, updated dietary recommendations, and potentially new regulations.

Personalized Nutrition and Sodium Phosphate

The field of personalized nutrition is growing, recognizing that individuals may respond differently to various nutrients and compounds. Future research may explore how genetic factors, gut microbiome composition, and overall health status influence an individual’s response to sodium phosphate intake.

Educating Consumers About Sodium Phosphate

Given the prevalence of sodium phosphate in the food supply and its potential health impacts, consumer education is crucial.

How can consumers become more informed about sodium phosphate? Some strategies include:

  1. Reading and understanding food labels
  2. Learning about different names for phosphate additives
  3. Staying informed about current nutritional research and recommendations
  4. Consulting with healthcare providers or registered dietitians about individual dietary needs

What role do food manufacturers play in consumer education? Transparent labeling practices and clear communication about the purpose and safety of food additives can help consumers make informed choices. Some companies are taking proactive steps to educate consumers about their use of additives like sodium phosphate.

Balancing Convenience and Health

For many consumers, processed foods containing sodium phosphate offer convenience in busy lifestyles. The challenge lies in balancing this convenience with health considerations. Educating consumers about simple ways to reduce reliance on heavily processed foods while maintaining practicality in meal preparation can be valuable.

Sodium Phosphate in a Global Health Context

The use of sodium phosphate in food production has implications beyond individual health, extending to global health trends and concerns.

How does sodium phosphate use relate to global health issues? Some connections include:

  • The rise of non-communicable diseases globally, particularly in regions adopting more Western-style diets high in processed foods
  • Concerns about food security and the role of food additives in extending shelf life and reducing food waste
  • Debates about the balance between food affordability and nutritional quality

What global health initiatives address food additive concerns? Various international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are involved in monitoring and providing guidelines on food additives like sodium phosphate. These efforts aim to protect public health while considering the complex realities of global food systems.

Sodium Phosphate and Sustainable Food Systems

As discussions about sustainable food systems gain prominence, the role of additives like sodium phosphate comes under scrutiny. Questions arise about the environmental impact of producing these additives and their role in a more sustainable food future. This opens up new avenues for research and innovation in food technology and production methods.

In conclusion, sodium phosphate plays a significant role in our food supply and has various medical applications. While generally recognized as safe, emerging research suggests potential health impacts from high intake levels. Consumers, healthcare providers, and food manufacturers all have roles to play in balancing the benefits and risks of sodium phosphate use. As research continues, our understanding and approach to sodium phosphate may evolve, potentially leading to changes in dietary recommendations and food production practices.

Is It Bad for You?

Sodium Phosphate in Food: Is It Bad for You?

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Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. D., L.D. — By Corey Whelan — Updated on September 18, 2018

Overview

Sodium phosphate is an umbrella term that refers to multiple combinations of sodium (salt) and phosphate (an inorganic, salt-forming chemical). Food-grade sodium phosphate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. It is often used as an additive in processed food manufacturing. It’s also an ingredient in many household products and medications. For some people, sodium phosphate may be used to prepare the bowel prior to colonoscopy.

Sodium phosphate can be found in fast food, deli meat, processed meat, canned tuna, baked goods, and other manufactured foods. It serves a variety of functions:

  • It thickens food. It stabilizes the texture of processed foods, such as mashed potato mixes.
  • It cures meat and meat products. It helps to keep deli meats and bacon moist, avoiding spoilage.
  • It’s a leavening agent. It helps dough rise in commercially prepared cakes and breads and in cake mixes.
  • It’s an emulsifying agent. It acts as a stabilizer to keep oil and water mixed together in certain types of food, such as processed cheese.
  • It balances pH levels in processed food. It stabilizes the balance between acidity and alkalinity, extending shelf life and improving taste.

Food-grade sodium phosphate is categorized by the FDA as GRAS, which means “generally recognized as safe.” This may be because the amount of sodium phosphate added to processed food, is relatively low.

One study found that sodium phosphate, when used as a food additive, can impact health differently than naturally occurring phosphate. This is because it’s absorbed differently by the body. According to the abstract, high levels of phosphate may elevate mortality rates for the general public, as well as for those with kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Researchers linked high phosphate levels to accelerated aging and vascular damage. The researchers recommended that people eat foods with naturally occurring phosphates, rather than those with added sodium phosphate.

Some athletes take sodium phosphate as a supplement to enhance performance. However, a study, reported in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, found that supplementation with sodium phosphate did not improve aerobic ability in athletes.

Side effects from an overdose of sodium phosphate may include:

  • vomiting
  • headache
  • reduced urine output
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • dizziness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • seizure

Talk to your doctor about your use of sodium phosphate, particularly if you take it as a supplement or eat a large amount of processed or fast food.

People with certain conditions should avoid taking this substance. These include:

  • kidney disease
  • intestinal tears or blockages
  • colitis, or slow moving bowels
  • heart failure
  • an allergy to sodium phosphate

Your doctor may also recommend reducing your intake if you are currently on certain medications. Prior to taking it, make sure to discuss your medication history, including which herbal supplements you use, with your doctor.

Foods with naturally occurring sodium phosphate include:

  • nuts and legumes
  • meat
  • fish
  • poultry
  • eggs

Foods that may have added sodium phosphate include:

  • cured meat
  • deli meat
  • fast food
  • processed foods, such as ready-to-eat meals
  • commercially prepared baked goods and cake mixes
  • canned tuna

Sodium phosphate is naturally occurring in many foods. It’s also added to foods to maintain freshness, alter texture, and achieve a variety of other effects. Sodium phosphate is considered safe by the FDA but should be avoided by certain people, including those with kidney disease. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your sodium phosphate intake or before using it as a supplement.

Last medically reviewed on December 22, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Buck CL, et al. Sodium phosphate as an ergogenic aid. (2013). DOI:
    10.1007/s40279-013-0042-0
  • CFR – Code of federal regulations title 21. (2017).
    accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  • FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of possible harm from exceeding recommended dose of over-the-counter sodium phosphate products to treat constipation. (2016).
    fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm380757.htm
  • Hoffmanová I, et al. (2013). Serious risk related to use of sodium phosphate solution.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24350942
  • Phosphates in everyday living. (n.d.).
    phosphatesfacts.org/what-are-phosphates/
  • Potassium and sodium phosphate (oral route). (2017).
    mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-and-sodium-phosphate-oral-route/description/drg-20074868
  • Ritz E, et al. (2012). Phosphate additives in food – a health risk. DOI:
    10.3238/arztebl.2012.0049
  • Sodium phosphate. (2016).
    medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609019.html
  • West JS, et al. (2012). The effect of 6 days of sodium phosphate supplementation on appetite, energy intake and aerobic capacity in trained men and women.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22804972

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. — By Corey Whelan — Updated on September 18, 2018

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Is It Bad for You?

Sodium Phosphate in Food: Is It Bad for You?

  • Health Conditions
    • Featured
      • Breast Cancer
      • IBD
      • Migraine
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Articles
      • Acid Reflux
      • ADHD
      • Allergies
      • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Cancer
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Chronic Pain
      • Cold & Flu
      • COPD
      • Depression
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Heart Disease
      • High Cholesterol
      • HIV
      • Hypertension
      • IPF
      • Osteoarthritis
      • Psoriasis
      • Skin Disorders and Care
      • STDs
  • Discover
    • Wellness Topics
      • Nutrition
      • Fitness
      • Skin Care
      • Sexual Health
      • Women’s Health
      • Mental Well-Being
      • Sleep
    • Product Reviews
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Sleep
      • Mental Health
      • Nutrition
      • At-Home Testing
      • CBD
      • Men’s Health
    • Original Series
      • Fresh Food Fast
      • Diagnosis Diaries
      • You’re Not Alone
      • Present Tense
    • Video Series
      • Youth in Focus
      • Healthy Harvest
      • No More Silence
      • Future of Health
  • Plan
    • Health Challenges
      • Mindful Eating
      • Sugar Savvy
      • Move Your Body
      • Gut Health
      • Mood Foods
      • Align Your Spine
    • Find Care
      • Primary Care
      • Mental Health
      • OB-GYN
      • Dermatologists
      • Neurologists
      • Cardiologists
      • Orthopedists
    • Lifestyle Quizzes
      • Weight Management
      • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
      • Are You a Workaholic?
      • How Well Do You Sleep?
    • Tools & Resources
      • Health News
      • Find a Diet
      • Find Healthy Snacks
      • Drugs A-Z
      • Health A-Z
  • Connect
      • Breast Cancer
      • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      • Psoriatic Arthritis
      • Migraine
      • Multiple Sclerosis
      • Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. D., L.D. — By Corey Whelan — Updated on September 18, 2018

Overview

Sodium phosphate is an umbrella term that refers to multiple combinations of sodium (salt) and phosphate (an inorganic, salt-forming chemical). Food-grade sodium phosphate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. It is often used as an additive in processed food manufacturing. It’s also an ingredient in many household products and medications. For some people, sodium phosphate may be used to prepare the bowel prior to colonoscopy.

Sodium phosphate can be found in fast food, deli meat, processed meat, canned tuna, baked goods, and other manufactured foods. It serves a variety of functions:

  • It thickens food. It stabilizes the texture of processed foods, such as mashed potato mixes.
  • It cures meat and meat products. It helps to keep deli meats and bacon moist, avoiding spoilage.
  • It’s a leavening agent. It helps dough rise in commercially prepared cakes and breads and in cake mixes.
  • It’s an emulsifying agent. It acts as a stabilizer to keep oil and water mixed together in certain types of food, such as processed cheese.
  • It balances pH levels in processed food. It stabilizes the balance between acidity and alkalinity, extending shelf life and improving taste.

Food-grade sodium phosphate is categorized by the FDA as GRAS, which means “generally recognized as safe.” This may be because the amount of sodium phosphate added to processed food, is relatively low.

One study found that sodium phosphate, when used as a food additive, can impact health differently than naturally occurring phosphate. This is because it’s absorbed differently by the body. According to the abstract, high levels of phosphate may elevate mortality rates for the general public, as well as for those with kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Researchers linked high phosphate levels to accelerated aging and vascular damage. The researchers recommended that people eat foods with naturally occurring phosphates, rather than those with added sodium phosphate.

Some athletes take sodium phosphate as a supplement to enhance performance. However, a study, reported in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, found that supplementation with sodium phosphate did not improve aerobic ability in athletes.

Side effects from an overdose of sodium phosphate may include:

  • vomiting
  • headache
  • reduced urine output
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • dizziness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • seizure

Talk to your doctor about your use of sodium phosphate, particularly if you take it as a supplement or eat a large amount of processed or fast food.

People with certain conditions should avoid taking this substance. These include:

  • kidney disease
  • intestinal tears or blockages
  • colitis, or slow moving bowels
  • heart failure
  • an allergy to sodium phosphate

Your doctor may also recommend reducing your intake if you are currently on certain medications. Prior to taking it, make sure to discuss your medication history, including which herbal supplements you use, with your doctor.

Foods with naturally occurring sodium phosphate include:

  • nuts and legumes
  • meat
  • fish
  • poultry
  • eggs

Foods that may have added sodium phosphate include:

  • cured meat
  • deli meat
  • fast food
  • processed foods, such as ready-to-eat meals
  • commercially prepared baked goods and cake mixes
  • canned tuna

Sodium phosphate is naturally occurring in many foods. It’s also added to foods to maintain freshness, alter texture, and achieve a variety of other effects. Sodium phosphate is considered safe by the FDA but should be avoided by certain people, including those with kidney disease. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your sodium phosphate intake or before using it as a supplement.

Last medically reviewed on December 22, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Buck CL, et al. Sodium phosphate as an ergogenic aid. (2013). DOI:
    10.1007/s40279-013-0042-0
  • CFR – Code of federal regulations title 21. (2017).
    accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  • FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of possible harm from exceeding recommended dose of over-the-counter sodium phosphate products to treat constipation. (2016).
    fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm380757.htm
  • Hoffmanová I, et al. (2013). Serious risk related to use of sodium phosphate solution.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24350942
  • Phosphates in everyday living. (n.d.).
    phosphatesfacts.org/what-are-phosphates/
  • Potassium and sodium phosphate (oral route). (2017).
    mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-and-sodium-phosphate-oral-route/description/drg-20074868
  • Ritz E, et al. (2012). Phosphate additives in food – a health risk. DOI:
    10.3238/arztebl.2012.0049
  • Sodium phosphate. (2016).
    medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609019.html
  • West JS, et al. (2012). The effect of 6 days of sodium phosphate supplementation on appetite, energy intake and aerobic capacity in trained men and women.
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22804972

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. — By Corey Whelan — Updated on September 18, 2018

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    Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D.

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Sodium polyphosphate technical.

“HIMPEK” – A major supplier of chemical raw materials and reagents for all industries and agro-industrial complex

Synonyms sodium hexametaphosphate
International name sodium hexametaphosphate SHMP
CAS No. 68915-31-1,
10124-56-8
Production import
Packaging 25 kg bag
Chemical formula (NaPO 3 ) n * H 2 O
ADR cargo hazard class (UN) no
Packing group III

Sodium polyphosphate is a glassy transparent substance in the form of pieces of colorless or yellowish-greenish tint.

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Physical and chemical parameters

Applications

Appearance

Index name Norm GOST 20291-80 Imported product specification
Appearance Vitreous transparent substance in the form of pieces of colorless or yellowish-greenish White crystalline powder
Mass fraction of sodium polyphosphate in terms of phosphorus (V) oxide, %, not less than 61. 5 66.9
Mass fraction of inactive phosphates in terms of phosphorus (V) oxide, %, not more than 7 1.2
Mass fraction of substances insoluble in water, %, not more than 0.07 ≤ 0.1
Hazard class according to the degree of impact on the human body 3
Hazards
Explosion and fire Non-toxic, fire and explosion proof.
Danger to humans Harmful by ingestion, in case of inhalation, in case of contact with eyes.
Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment is respirators, goggles, rubber gloves, overalls.

Guaranteed shelf life of the product – 6 months from the date of manufacture.

Sodium polyphosphate is used in the textile industry to prevent the formation of calcium salts on fabrics, in the leather industry, in railway and industrial power plants for water softening, in the oil industry when drilling wells.

Sodium polyphosphate is a glassy transparent substance in the form of colorless or yellowish-greenish pieces.

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Address: Istrinsky district, rural settlement Ivanovskoye, village station Manikhino, 50 km

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Frequently bought with this product:

Product Synonyms CAS No. GOST Brand/Grade Package/weight
Sodium bichromate sodium bichromate, chrompic sodium 10588-01-9 2651-78 25 kg bag
Sodium bicarbonate E500 (ii) sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, baking soda, baking soda, sodium bicarbonate 144-55-8 32802-2014,
import
first, second Bag 25 kg, 50 kg, packs 500 g
Technical sodium nitrite sodium nitrite technical 7632-00-0 19906-74,
import
highest, first, second Bag 25 kg, 50 kg
Commercial sodium tripolyphosphate sodium tripolyphosphate 7758-29-4 13493-86 technical 45 kg bag
Anhydrous borax sodium tetraborate, disodium tetraborate, calcined borax, dehydrated borax 1330-43-4 import Etibor-68 (Etibor-68) MKR 1000 kg,
Bag 25 kg
Five-water borax disodium tetraborate pentahydrate, sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, borax pentahydrate 12179-04-3 import Etibor-48 (Etibor-48) MKR 1000 kg,
Bag 25 kg
EDTA Disodium (Trilon B, EDTA Disodium) Trilon B, EDTA Disodium Salt, Ethylenediamine-N, N, N, N-Tetraacetic Acid 2-Aqueous Disodium Salt, Complexon III, Chelatone III, 2Na-EDTA, 2Na-EDTA, EDTA-2Na 6381-92-6 import 25 kg bag
Technical sodium hydroxide, granulated caustic soda, commercial sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide 1310-73-2 00203275-206-2007,
import
GR / higher, first 25 kg bag
Technical sodium hydroxide flake caustic soda, commercial sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide 1310-73-2 00203312-017-2011,
rev. No. 1,
import
Bag 25 kg, 50 kg
Nitrilotrimethylphosphonic acid NTP acid, aminotrimethylphosphonic acid, ATMP 6419-19-8 import,
6318-77,
2141-084-56238216-2010
25 kg bag
Oxyethylidene diphosphonic acid HEDP acid, HEDP, HEDP, 1-hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid, diphosphonic acid, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid 2809-21-4 import 25 kg bag
Technical soda ash sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate, disodium carbonate 497-19-8 5100-85 A, B Bag 25 kg, 50 kg,
FIBC 600 kg, 800 kg, 1250 kg
Tableted salt tablet salt for water treatment 7647-14-5 R 51574-2000,
RB 400087365.003-2002
extra, higher 25 kg bag
Tetrasodium EDTA 99% (Trilon B, Tetrasodium EDTA) Trilon B, tetrasodium salt of ethylenediamine-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid 4-aqueous, tetrasodium salt of ethylenediamine-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid, tetrasodium salt of EDTA, edta-sodium, tetrasodium salt 4 -aqueous, ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid, tetrasodium salt, Na-EDTA, EDTA-4Na 13236-36-4 import 25 kg bag
Trisodium phosphate trisubstituted sodium phosphate 12-aqueous 10101-89-0 201-76 35 kg bag

E452 – Polyphosphates – News Food

Polyphosphates (E452) are sodium, calcium and potassium salts of phosphoric acid. In the food industry, they are used as a food additive with stabilizing and emulsifying properties.

9 0003

Health effects: Neutral
Name: Polyphosphates
Alternative names: 90 005

E452
Group: Food additives
How to get: Chemical reaction of phosphoric acid with corresponding carbonates
MTDI (acceptable intake): 70 mg/kg bw (as phosphorus)
Harmfulness: No side effects
Where it happens: Meat products (including packaged foods), fish products, seafood, processed cheeses
Pregnant: Safe
Technological function: Stabilizing, emulsifying, sequestering

Contents

    • In a nutshell
  • What are polyphosphates?
  • Are polyphosphates harmful?
    • Polyphosphates are safe for pregnant women
  • Where are polyphosphates found?
    • Polyphosphates in meat
    • Polyphosphates – use in cheese and wine
  • Polyphosphates – where to buy?

In a nutshell

  • Polyphosphates (E452) are used as additives in the food industry where they have stabilizing, binding and emulsifying functions.
  • Polyphosphates (E452) give the meat juiciness and tenderness. They prevent color change. They also prevent juice from escaping when defrosting and cooking meat.
  • In addition to meat products, polyphosphates (E452) are used in the production of processed cheeses and some alcoholic beverages.
  • Polyphosphates (E452) do not cause negative effects when using products that contain them.

What are polyphosphates?

Polyphosphates are used in the food industry as food additives. On product labels, they are listed under the number E452.

The group of polyphosphates includes substances such as:

  • Sodium polyphosphate (E452i)
  • Potassium polyphosphate (E452ii)
  • Sodium calcium polyphosphate (E452iii)
  • 90 496 Calcium polyphosphate (E452iv)

Most commonly used a type of polyphosphate is sodium polyphosphate. Less popular are potassium and calcium polyphosphates.

In food products, polyphosphates stabilize, emulsify and bind metal ions. (1)

The best processing properties are achieved by combining polyphosphates with triphosphates (E451) and diphosphates (E450). Therefore, it is very common to see all three groups of compounds at the same time on food labels.(2)

Polyphosphates are phosphorus compounds obtained as a result of a multi-stage process. Their main source is phosphate rock (a type of sedimentary rock), from which phosphorus is obtained, which then undergoes many chemical reactions, which ultimately leads to the formation of polyphosphates . Polyphosphates are usually a combination of phosphoric acid and various carbonates.

Polyphosphates are white or colorless flakes, granules or odorless powder.(3) They have very good water solubility.(4)

Are polyphosphates harmful?

Polyphosphates are ingredients that are safe for health when consumed in amounts normally used in foods. To date, no one has reported any side effects after consuming them in the form of foods to which they have been added.

Polyphosphates have GRAS status, i.e. substances generally recognized as safe.(5)

For polyphosphates, the experts set a maximum tolerated daily intake (MTDI) of 70 mg/kg bw ( converted to phosphorus). Taken together, intake levels are given for all phosphate-containing dietary supplements.(6)

It has been suggested that polyphosphates may inhibit the absorption of certain minerals, such as calcium. However, a number of studies have shown that, in practice, these compounds do not significantly affect the bioavailability of other ingredients.(7)

In animal experiments, scientists have shown that phosphate can cause kidney problems, including kidney stones. However, very importantly, this effect can only occur in the case of very high doses, far exceeding the amount of phosphates contained in food. (8)

After ingestion, polyphosphates are digested in the intestine into smaller units – monophosphates, which are absorbed along with natural phosphates.(9) (10)

Polyphosphates are safe for pregnant women

Based on the current state of knowledge, it is highly probable that polyphosphate intake by pregnant women is not associated with any side effects.

Where are polyphosphates found?

Polyphosphates can be found, for example, in processed cheeses, packaged meat products (e.g. salami, bacon, sausages, smoked meats, frankfurters), prepared meals (e.g. beans in tomato sauce), surimi.

Polyphosphates in meat

Polyphosphates act as stabilizers in meat products where, when combined with salt, they interact with the meat fibers, causing them to retain water and improve juiciness. A similar effect is noticeable with fish and seafood.

It is worth noting that polyphosphates, which retain water in meat, make the sold product more weighty, and therefore a higher price. (11)

The addition of polyphosphates also helps to remove the exoskeleton of the shrimp, resulting in better meat recovery. (12)

Polyphosphates reduce freezing of frozen and thawed products and also reduce water loss in meat during cooking. (13)

In addition, polyphosphates help dissolve muscle proteins and increase the pH of foods (reduce acidity). (14)

Due to their ability to bind metal ions (eg iron, copper), polyphosphates can inhibit the autoxidation (oxidation) processes of lipids present in meat. Simply put, they keep the fat from going rancid. (15)

The addition of polyphosphates allows the red color of the meat to last longer. (16)

Polyphosphates – use in cheese and wine

In processed cheeses, cheese preparations and cheese-based sauces, polyphosphates act as emulsifying salts. They break down calcium bridges between cheese protein molecules, converting insoluble cheese protein complexes into separate soluble compounds.