Potassium phosphate (E340)

Phosphates or orthophosphates of potassium is a food additive that has the properties of an antioxidant, flavor and color stabilizer, clarifier and emulsifier. A lot of this substance is contained in instant coffee, thanks to which it has such a characteristic stable aroma and memorable taste. What exactly is this nutritional supplement? What beneficial properties does it bring to the human body, and how does its use affect health? The answers to these and other questions can be found in the following article.

Additive features, physical and chemical properties

GOST 31687-2012 fixed the generally accepted name of this food additive – potassium phosphates. In the international classification, it is best known as the E340. Other names for this substance include: Potassium phosphates – an international name, potassium orthophosphates, food potassium monophosphates, potassium phosphate, Monokaliumphosphat – a German name, phosphate de monopotassium – a French name.

Such a substance belongs to the group of antioxidants and is a salt of potassium and phosphoric acid. This synthetic additive is obtained by reacting phosphoric acid with potassium chloride or its carbonate. After that, it is purified and crystallized, or evaporated.

There are three varieties of potassium phosphates: 1-substituted potassium phosphate E340 (I) with the molecular formula KH2PO4, 2-substituted potassium orthophosphate E340 (II) in aqueous and anhydrous forms with the chemical formulas K2HPO4 and K2HPO4-H2O, respectively, and 3-substituted potassium phosphate E340 (III) having the molecular formula K3HPO4. Moreover, the latter form is practically not used in food production.

Potassium phosphates are usually white, crystalline, powdered or granular. In some guises, they are able to absorb moisture from the air well, dissolve well in water, but are practically insoluble in ethanol and other liquids. This food supplement has no smell, but has a sour taste.

Most often, this substance is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer and acidity regulator. It is also often used as a color fixative and water-retaining element.

Main manufacturers and product packaging

This food additive E340 is produced both in Russia and abroad. In the Russian Federation, the production of such a synthetic substance is carried out by Reatex OJSC, registered in Moscow and based on the basis of the Kostandov pilot plant in 1929.

Among foreign representatives, one can single out a Chinese company from the city of Jiangying Mingzhi Phosphate Chemical Co Ltd.

Independent experts from the environmental group “Kedr” consider potassium phosphates to be harmful carcinogens, although official sources refute this information. According to the Ministry of Health and SanPiN, the food additive E340 is safe for human life and health.

For the packaging of this substance are used:

• impregnated or non-impregnated multilayer paper bags;
• food bags;
• other packaging: winding cardboard drums.

Before packaging, such a food additive is packaged in waterproof plastic bags. The maximum weight of bags of potassium phosphates is twenty-five kilograms.

The use of potassium phosphates

The food additive E340 is allowed for use not only in the Russian Federation, but also in the countries of the European Union, the United States of America, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The maximum safe dose of the substance is seventy milligrams of the product per day for every kilogram of human weight.

Potassium orthophosphates are used in the same qualities as sodium phosphates, actively showing their antioxidant properties, while enhancing the action of other antioxidants.

Potassium phosphates are used for the production of various food products, while demonstrating various properties:

• for liqueurs, confectionery and carbonated soft drinks such as Sprite, Fanta, Pepsi-Cola, the E340 additive is a flavor enhancer and acidity regulator;
• for green vegetables, especially those that are exposed to high temperatures, it is used as a color stabilizer;
• in the manufacture of sugar, it exhibits the properties of a clarifier and bleach;
• during pasteurization and sterilization of milk, it is used as a stabilizer, increasing their heat-resistant qualities;
• in the manufacture of processed cheese, it is used as a melting salt;
• in demand as a hardener in the preservation of fruits and vegetables;
• used as a source of potassium in liquid yeast, sourdough for making rye bread, as well as in drinks intended for sports nutrition;
• in powdered sugar, egg powder, dry cream and other similar products, used as a baking powder;
• exhibits moisture-retaining and binding properties in the manufacture of minced meat and fish, various sausages;
• in the production of ice cream acts as an emulsifier.

The highest content of potassium phosphates is found in instant coffee and sweet carbonated drinks.

The composition of the products usually contains no more than thirty grams of this substance.

The E340 additive is also used in other industries:

• pharmaceutical – as part of various drugs;
• household chemicals – a component of shampoos, soaps and other washing liquids, as well as for softening water;
• cosmetic – is part of toothpastes;
• microbiological – used in the cultivation of mold fungi, for the subsequent production of penicillin;
• upon receipt of rubber – a component of electrolytes during emulsion polymerization;
• in the production of fertilizers.

Useful and dangerous properties of food additive E340

It is definitely impossible to say whether such an additive is dangerous or useful. It is as harmful as it is safe. For the human body in normal doses, its use will not cause any deviations, while exceeding the norm leads to unpleasant health consequences.

Potassium phosphates are much milder than other members of this subgroup affect the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach. With moderate consumption, it helps to regulate the acid-base balance in the body. At the same time, its excess in it leads to the destruction of beneficial intestinal microflora, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and diarrhea.

Food supplement E340 has a diuretic effect, normalizes the water-salt balance in the body, stabilizes blood pressure, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the body is somewhere around 2 to 1. They are interconnected with each other and are both found in large quantities in the bones and teeth. The destructive effect of phosphoric acid on tooth enamel has long been known. Its potassium salts, on the contrary, prevent the development of caries and help strengthen bones.

However, an imbalance of calcium and fluoride, with an increase in the first, is often the cause of osteoporosis. Scientists at the University of Illinois in America have linked severe bone fragility in children and adolescents with their consumption of high doses of Pepsi-Cola or other sugary carbonated drinks. And in these products, the content of phosphates is significantly high.

Also, the abuse of this food supplement and the deviation of its norms upwards leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, due to an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. This in turn leads to kidney failure and heart attacks.

In conclusion

Potassium Phosphate is a synthetic food additive that acts as a stabilizer, emulsifier, bleach and antioxidant in food production. On the packages of those products in which it is included, there is an E340 marking. This substance is not considered hazardous to human health and even benefits in acceptable doses. But its abuse is fraught with unpleasant negative consequences, especially in childhood and adolescence. Do not overdo it with sweet carbonated drinks and instant coffee, which contain a very large amount of potassium phosphates.