Allervibe
E339
Monosodium phosphate
A sodium salt of phosphoric acid used as a buffer, emulsifying salt and moisture binder in processed foods.
i Additive Details
| Is E339 Monosodium phosphate safe?
People with chronic kidney disease are advised to limit phosphate additives. Inorganic phosphate added to food is absorbed almost completely, while the phosphorus naturally bound in meat, dairy and grains is absorbed far less efficiently, so additives raise blood phosphate out of proportion to the amount listed on a label. Because it is a sodium salt it also adds to total sodium intake, which matters for anyone limiting salt for high blood pressure or heart failure.
| Uses
Holds the pH of processed foods steady and acts as an emulsifying salt that keeps processed cheese smooth and stops it separating when melted. Also stabilises evaporated and UHT milk against clotting during heat treatment, binds water in cooked and cured meats, and forms part of some baking powders. The E339 listing covers mono-, di- and trisodium phosphate.
| Interactions
Works with disodium and trisodium phosphate as a buffer pair that holds pH almost constant across a range plain acids cannot cover. It sequesters calcium and magnesium, which is what lets it break up the casein network in cheese and keeps minerals from precipitating in beverages.
| Origin
Made by neutralising phosphoric acid, itself derived from mined phosphate rock, with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide and crystallising the salt. It is not obtained from a natural food source.
| Daily Intake
EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation set a single group ADI of 40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus, covering all phosphate additives (E 338-341, E 343 and E 450-452) together rather than each salt separately. EFSA concluded that this group ADI is exceeded by some population groups, in particular children and adolescents at average consumption and high consumers in all age groups.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E332 Potassium citrates The potassium salts of citric acid, used to regulate acidity and bind metal ions.
- E334 L(+)-tartaric acid The natural acid of grapes, used to add sourness and as the acid in baking powder.
- E575 Glucono-delta-lactone A mild acid formed from glucose that slowly turns into gluconic acid once it meets water.
- E338 Phosphoric acid A strong mineral acid used to acidify soft drinks and adjust the pH of processed foods; it gives cola its sharp bite.
- E340 Monopotassium phosphate A potassium salt of phosphoric acid used as a buffer and mineral salt, notably in drinks and creamers.
- E341 Monocalcium phosphate A calcium salt of phosphoric acid used mainly as the acid component of baking powder, and as a firming agent and calcium source.
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