However, if you're otherwise healthy, breathe easy — the FDA has classified it as generally recognized as safe. The answer is: It Depends! Based in Massachusetts, Jessica Bruso has been writing since 2008. While consuming small amounts of sodium phosphate is likely safe, eating too much sodium phosphate can lead to unhealthy levels of phosphorus in the body. “Hidden Phosphorus Food Additives Dangerous to Kidney Disease Patients,” Science Daily web site, Feb. 20, 2009; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210161912.htm, last accessed Nov. 6, 2013. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with phosphate as it is an essential nutrient. The amounts of aluminum found in food are typically minimal and safe. However, these vegetables do not seem to pose the same health risks as the nitrites in food sources like processed meats. 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. Phosphates are among the most common food additives, found in more than 20,000 products in EWG’s Food Scores database. However, this isn't likely to happen from the small amount of phosphate that comes from additives like sodium phosphate, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Sources: Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips. Sodium phosphate is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as generally regarded as safe, or GRAS. Sodium phosphates have many applications in food and for water treatment. This somewhat sweet-tasting chemical is used in the production of polymers, anti … “Sodium Phosphate,” Med-Health.net web site; http://www.med-health.net/Sodium-Phosphate.html, last accessed Nov. 5, 2013. Adding phosphorus additives may be pushing the body past its ability to deal with the mineral. While it is now common practice for food manufacturers to label the amount of fat, calories or sodium on a product because they are required to do so, there is no such requirement for phosphorus. They are also used to control pH of processed foods. They’re commonly added to food and may serve a variety of purposes. Trisodium phosphate in food is deemed problematic by many health experts because of the potential health risks it can cause. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking sodium phosphate. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na 3 PO 4.It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. Most refined oils, fruits, vegetables, and refined grains are low in phosphorus. When it … If you’re keen to be phosphate-free, all you need to do in future is check the labels of organic frozen pizzas, blancmange powder and so on for this particular ingredient. J. Uribarri. This additive is a source of sodium, and high sodium consumption increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. It’s definitely important to have some phosphate in your diet. Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine, Deutsches Arzteblatt International: Phosphate Additives in Food—a Health Risk, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sodium: The Facts. There could be sodium phosphate in your drink and pyrophosphate in your cheese. The only phosphate additive which organic farmers are allowed to add to other foodstuffs is calcium phosphate (E341). Is Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate Dangerous? “Sodium Phosphate,” MedlinePlus web site; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a609019.html, last accessed Nov. 5, 2013. The development of heart disease and bone disease are two dangers. These materials are prepared by combining alumina, phosphoric acid, and sodium hydroxide.. Share on Pinterest. What Is the Main Function of Phosphorus in the Body? For example, sodium phosphates are often used as emulsifiers (as in processed cheese), thickening agents, and leavening agents for baked goods. They suggest you stay away from soda and look for the word “phosphate” on ingredient labels. Sodium phosphate is an additive contained in food and beverages, such as sodas, and is also used as a means of purging the large intestine before a colonoscopy 2 3. This is especially true if you have kidney problems. 4H 2 O and Na 3 H 15 Al 2 (PO 4) 8. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water. Ingested, sodium erythorbate is converted into vitamin C and, unless you are specifically allergic to it, there are no real negative effects from ingestion. Phosphates are also used as an emulsifier to mix two foods together that would otherwise not mix. High blood phosphate levels might cause adverse effects, especially in people with chronic kidney disease. It can be tricky to monitor your intake of phosphorus. If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (sodium phosphates tablets) with care. Even chicken, for example, this is a food that has been deemed “safe” for dialysis patients to eat, may contain phosphates if the chicken is from a … If you have high blood pressure, you may also want to limit the amount of foods you eat containing sodium phosphate. Phosphorus additives in food and their effect in dialysis patients. Sodium erythorbate has antioxidant properties that are more potent than ascorbic acid. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically have to restrict and monitor their intake of phosphorus. Even chicken, for example, this is a food that has been deemed “safe” for dialysis patients to eat, may contain phosphates if the chicken is from a fast food restaurant. Tiny amounts are used in food to control acidity levels, and to mix oil and water as an emulsifier. It is often used as an additive … What Happens if You Consume Too Many Electrolytes? They can be used to leaven baked goods, reduce acid and improve moisture retention and tenderness in processed meats. This shouldn't be an issue, however, unless you eat a very large amount of foods containing sodium phosphate or other phosphate additives. Since meats are restricted in a CKD diet, egg whites can be a good low-phosphorus source of protein. Trisodium phosphate (TSP), also referred to as trisodium orthophosphate or sodium phosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na3PO4. These 12 food additives are widely used to enhance the appearance, flavor or shelf life of foods. Phosphates, including Trisodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, and plain old Sodium Phosphate, are all very difficult for the body to digest. They are also used in medicine for constipation and to prepare the bowel for medical procedures. This is because phosphates in food are hard for struggling kidneys to deal with—they can’t remove them. Certain types of vegetables also contain sodium nitrate, which can be converted to sodium nitrite in small amounts. One study found that sodium phosphate, when used as a food additive, can impact health differently than naturally occurring phosphate. 10 Ways to Control Blood Sugar without Medication. It has been associated with side effects such as diarrhea, but its consumption might also expose you to other hazards such as organ damage. One cup (140 grams) of roasted chicken or turkey contains … She holds a master of science degree in food policy and applied nutrition and a bachelor of arts degree in international relations, both from Tufts University. 2009 4(8):1290 - 1292. It can also have a laxative effect, which can cause you to absorb less of other nutrients. Over 250 advanced kidney disease patients receiving dialysis treatment were placed into a control group or a phosphorus additive-avoidance group. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. In food processing, sodium erythorbate is used to keep a wide variety of foods fresh -- from meats to canned fruits and vegetables, as well as wines, jams and soft drinks. This article lets you know which are safe and which… READ MORE. When you eat a lot of foods that contain phosphate additives, you could run into trouble. 2011 21(4):303 - 308. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. Phosphates in food are used as texturizers to change the look or feel of a food and to increase the shelf life of a food. Sodium phosphate is an additive that intensifies flavors, keeps meats moist and prevents crystals from forming in canned tuna. Phosphates, usually labelled under the generic term sodium phosphate, are added to food for a variety of reasons. Chicken and Turkey. The amount of phosphorus in foods remains a hidden commodity. While you can try to avoid eating certain meats, whole grains, nuts or other foods naturally high in the mineral, it can be a real challenge to try and track down how much you are consuming in the form of additives. The Harmful Food Additive You Must Watch Out for! While the phosphates found naturally in foods aren't well absorbed, the inorganic forms used as additives are better absorbed and can increase phosphate levels enough to damage blood vessels in those with kidney disease if consumed in high amounts. Phosphates in foods are sometimes used as a leavening agent, pressed into service to help dough rise or to keep a food from becoming too acidic or alkaline. When used in pickled products, it prevents cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines from forming. The European Union also approves the chemical’s presence in food. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. After three months, those who were taught to avoid foods with phosphates experienced a drop in the mineral that was two-and-a-half times that of the control group. It inhibits the oxidation of food, which helps keep the food fresh. It is believed to cause kidney damage, soft tissue calcification, and bone calcium remova l. Sodium phosphate is an additive that intensifies flavors, keeps meats moist and prevents crystals from forming in canned tuna. Phosphates are frequently added to unhealthy highly processed foods, including fast foods. You add some phosphate, and you’re up to a hundred ... Extra-phosphate load from food additives in commonly eaten foods: A real and insidious danger for renal patients. TSP is a food thickener. After sodium and fat content, a new study suggests adding phosphates to the list of unhealthy ingredients to look out for on nutritional labels, after making a … Uses. For example, a food product with added oil may contain an emulsifier to stop the oil from separating from the main food. Cured meats and cold cuts, some of which may contain sodium phosphate, are among the top 10 sources of sodium in the American diet. Food-grade sodium phosphate is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for consumption. How much phosphate are we talking about here? Trisodium phosphate Na 3 PO 4 (trisodium orthophosphate or trisodium monophosphate or food additive E 339ii) is presently used in the USA to kill or reduce the number of bacteria, such as salmonella or campylobacter on poultry 1). If the sodium content is more than 120 mg for a 4-ounce portion, you know it’s been enhanced with something — potentially a phosphate salt. Is Sodium Nitrate Bad for You? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, food manufacturers use TSP as a food additive for a number of reasons, including: 2. Because of this, phosphates in food such as processed meats or baked goods can be a very real issue for those with kidney problems. Very high levels of phosphorus can even be life-threatening. If you get a lot of phosphate in your diet, it can cause you to absorb less iron, calcium and magnesium. You could have more side effects. The amount of phosphorus in foods remains a hidden commodity. In the rare chance that you are allergic to sodium erythorbate, you may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, body flushing, and hemolysis. In the United States, you can purchase sodium phosphate enemas over the counter. “Hidden Phosphorus Food Additives Dangerous to Kidney Disease Patients,” Science Daily web site, Feb. 20, 2009; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210161912.htm, last accessed Nov. 6, 2013. The amounts of aluminum found in food are typically minimal and safe. Sodium nitrite in food is especially prevalent in processed meats. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-disodium-phosphate-bad-for-you You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (sodium phosphates tablets) while you … | Livestrong.com Foods High in Sodium Nitrite. J Ren Nutr. Trisodium phosphate is a common food additive found in cereals, sodas, dairy products and baked goods. But the Environmental Working Group lists sodium phosphate (a common type used in over 6,000 food products) as a “moderate concern” in foods, and … But the trick is not to get too much of the mineral. Even though preservatives have a bad reputation, sodium acid pyrophosphate isn't necessarily bad for you, and it has even been approved by the FDA for general use. Sodium phosphates have been well studied and are generally considered safe when used as a food additive. “Sodium Phosphate,” MedlinePlus web site; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a609019.html, last accessed Nov. 5, 2013. 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The researchers made these conclusions: there’s already an abundance of phosphorus that occurs naturally in food. If you have chronic kidney disease, speak with your doctor about dietary phosphorus intake. In concentrated form, trisodium phosphate is used in a couple of industrial processes. Getting too much phosphate from your diet could cause an imbalance between phosphorus and calcium in your body, increasing your risk for osteoporosis. Most people want to know if trisodium phosphate is safe to consume when it is used as a food additive. People with kidney problems may want to avoid foods containing phosphates, including sodium phosphate, according to the article in "Deutsches Ärzteblatt International." “Sodium Phosphate,” Med-Health.net web site; http://www.med-health.net/Sodium-Phosphate.html, last accessed Nov. 5, 2013. However, you should consult with a medical professional prior to using a TSP enema.” If it helps anyone, if you research how foods are manufactured, there are ingredients that are added that are safe in various amounts to help with the manufacturing process. Long answer Trisodium phosphate is a non-toxic white salt that has many different applications. Sodium phosphate is a generic term that may refer to any sodium salt of phosphoric acid. A research team recently discovered that kidney disease patients could significantly lower their phosphorus levels once they knew how to stay away from foods containing phosphorus additives. When high levels of phosphates collect in the blood, the results can be serious. Potassium phosphate is primarily used as a food additive to extend the shelf life of processed foods and found in some supplements, but is it totally safe? When you mix it with … As a matter of course, kidney disease patients are usually told to avoid phosphates in food. TSP is used as a cleaning agent, builder, lubricant, food additive, stain remover, and degreaser. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? People should avoid eating meats which typically contain more easily absorbed phosphorus than found in plants. But is the ubiquitous ingredient actually safe to consume? The compound plays a role in key biochemical processes such as metabolism, creating genetic material, strengthening teeth and bones, and regulating the acid-base balance in the body. Home » Food and Nutrition » The Harmful Food Additive You Must Watch Out for! Is Trisodium Phosphate Bad For You? While aluminum does lurk in some foods, don't expect to chew into a piece of metal. Propylene Glycol. No phosphates in foods are “good” for you. Because of the potential health risks as the nitrites in food and may serve variety. 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