| Essence |
Sodium Phosphate (E339) is a Sodium Salt of Phosphoric Acid that is odorless, has a slightly alkaline taste, and presents itself as a white crystalline powder in food and supplements most typically used as an emulsifier, acidity regulator, and thickener. It is also used in other industries. There are three different Sodium Phosphates: 1) Monosodium Phosphate (MSP) or E339(i), 2) Disodium Phosphate (DSP) or E339(ii), and Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or E339(iii). |
| Names |
Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate, Sodium Monohydrogen Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate Tribasic, Sodium Acid Phosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, MSP, DSP, TSP, E339, Sodium Phosphate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Phosphoric Acid (E338) is effectively the starting ingredient that can be created either from Phosphate Rock or Elemental Phosphorus. |
| Manufacturing |
While a number of different ways are possible, mixing the sourcing ingredient with Sodium Hydroxide is the most common. This creates Sodium Phosphate and water. After that, it needs to be further purified. This can take place in a number of ways, for example, either through crystallization, ion exchange, membrane filtration, or precipitation. But further processing beyond this is also possible to adapt it to whatever application it may be needed for. |
| Application |
Emulsifier, buffering agent, stabilizer, thickener, antioxidant, leavening agent, and acidity regulator. It is highly soluble in water. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
It is said to be harmless in amounts of up to 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily. |
| Side Effects |
Sodium Phosphate can prove to be problematic only when consumed in high amounts. To that end, the most prominent issue is the fact that it can create profound electrolyte imbalances in minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. This can negatively impact heart health, muscle function, and bone health. High amounts can also lead to kidney damage, abdominal pain and other digestive issues, and dehydration. It can also play not well together with medications for blood pressure and antibiotics. |
| Benefits |
It’s capable enough to offer bone health benefits, as well as improve digestive health. As a Sodium Salt of Phosphoric Acid, it also basically offers Phosphorus to our bodies. To that end, it can offer the benefits that are typically related to adequate Phosphorus consumption like better energy metabolism, improved teeth health, enhanced kidney function, and refined bone health; furthermore, it promotes healthy muscle function, red blood cell function, nerve function, cell signaling, and DNA and RNA signaling. |
| Studies |
6,660+ studies on Pubmed. More than 255+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
Kosher and Halal diets may or may not work with this additive. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Typically Beneficial. | Hence, it’s a Category 0 Additive. |
| Products |
Sodium Phosphate (E339) can be found in processed foods such as all kinds and types of coffee, puddings, breakfast cereal, instant noodles, cheese, melted cheese, pizzas, milk, prepackaged raw beef, desserts, sandwiches, energy milk, flavored milk drinks, biscuits, premade chicken foods, crisps, spreads, premade turkey foods, chocolate milks, instant coffees, pastries, energy bars, spring rolls, cookies, quiches, brioches, cakes, Tropezian pies, eclairs, dumplings, hamburgers, crepes, veggie sausage patties, sushis, cocktail fruits, hot dogs, salads, risottos, ice creams, whip cream, sauces, sausage rolls, lasagnes, and more. |
