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E339 Sodium phosphates

E339 (i) Monosodium dihydrogen phosphate
E339 (ii) Disodium monohydrogen phosphate
E339 (iii) Trisodium phosphate

Origin:
Sodium salts of phosphoric acid. Normal constituent of the body. Commercially produced from phosphoric acid, which is produced from phosphate mined in the US.

Function & characteristics:
Sodium phosphate is an acidity regulator and chelating agent (used to bind metal ions). It prevents desiccation and is used as an acid stabiliser in powders as well as to prevent formation of clumps. It increases the activity of antioxidants.

Products:
Many different products.

Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 70 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
Phosphates are normal essential salts for the body. In view of the need to avoid calcium deficiency, their use is limited, as they bind up calcium readily. They have no side effects.

Dietary restrictions:
Phosphoric acid and phosphates can normally be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians. Although animal bones are mainly made up of phosphates, commercial phosphate is not made from bones.