Calcium phosphate is a substance that has the code number E341. This additive is a preservative with antioxidant properties and is used as a baking powder in the food industry.
The qualities possessed by this additive have made it quite popular in many areas of industry. She became known not only as a baking powder, but also as an emulsifier and thickener. The product is also used as a stabilizer, acidity regulator and fixative.
Calcium phosphate is a synthetic inorganic substance. The raw material for this product is minerals (apatite, phosphorite, hydroxylapatite). To obtain the finished substance, the raw material undergoes hydrothermal roasting, after which hemihydrate phosphoric acid is added to it. The finished supplement has the form of an amorphous white powder, which is actively soluble in various acids, which cannot be said about plain water.
Additive E341 has 3 subspecies. Each of them has found application in various branches of human activity. The antioxidant is resistant to the effects of extracellular fluid. If you look for an analogue of natural origin, then we can say with confidence that a certain amount of calcium phosphate is found in cow’s milk. Also, about 70 percent of this salt is found in any bone tissue.
In industry, calcium phosphate is obtained by combining phosphoric acid, milk of lime and calcium oxide. It should be noted that the solubility of calcium phosphate decreases with increasing temperature.
Application of calcium phosphate
Food additive E341 is used in the food industry as a flavor stabilizer, acidity regulator, baking powder and fixative. Calcium phosphate is also added as an emulsifying salt in the production of processed cheese. Often it is used in the production of milk powder, cream, condensed milk, various canned fruits and vegetables.
Its most popular use is in the manufacture of bakery products, special drinks for athletes, minced meats, dry teas, breakfasts, various semi-finished products and dietary supplements.
In addition to the food industry, the E341 additive is a component in toothpastes and powders; it is used in the manufacture of ceramic products, glasses and soft abrasives. In addition, calcium phosphates are quite common in the manufacture of animal feed. Also, manufacturers of various fertilizers cannot do without this substance.
Useful properties and harm
Research and testing of the E341 additive has been going on for about 50 years. To date, there is no evidence that the supplement is harmful to the human body, but the opinion about the dangers of calcium phosphate still has its place.
Some scientists believe that the E341 supplement has a carcinogenic effect and contributes to the appearance of excess cholesterol in the body.
This can cause diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the alleged harm, the E341 supplement is considered to be one of the main components for the normal functioning of the human body. This substance is directly involved in many important physiological processes.
It is worth remembering that human bones are composed of 70 percent of calcium phosphate. In addition, tooth enamel is also mainly composed of this substance.