Allervibe
E340
Monopotassium phosphate
A potassium salt of phosphoric acid used as a buffer and mineral salt, notably in drinks and creamers.
i Additive Details
| Is E340 Monopotassium 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. It is also a source of potassium, and people with advanced kidney disease are usually told to restrict potassium as well as phosphate, because failing kidneys clear it poorly and high blood potassium disturbs heart rhythm.
| Uses
Buffers acidity and supplies potassium in sports and electrolyte drinks, and is added to coffee whiteners and non-dairy creamers to stop them curdling in hot coffee. It also serves as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese, a stabiliser in dry beverage mixes, and a nutrient salt in food fermentations. The E340 listing covers mono-, di- and tripotassium phosphate.
| Interactions
Forms a buffer system with the di- and tripotassium salts and is chosen over the sodium phosphates when a lower sodium content is wanted, though it delivers potassium instead. Like the other phosphates it sequesters calcium and magnesium, which is how it keeps creamers from feathering in acidic coffee.
| Origin
Produced by neutralising purified phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate and crystallising the salt. Both starting materials come from mineral sources, not from food.
| 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.
- E339 Monosodium phosphate A sodium salt of phosphoric acid used as a buffer, emulsifying salt and moisture binder in processed foods.
- 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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