Food Supplement E338 - Phosphoric Acid

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

According to the European Food Safety Authority, E338 is a safe food additive, serving as a preservative and flavor enhancer.

Phosphoric acid is an inorganic, colorless, odorless substance used by industry in manufacturing processes to create fertilizers, toothpastes, detergents, and food and beverages. In the food industry, the compound is added as a preservative and flavor enhancer .

Phosphoric acid is most often used in the production of carbonated beverages. It is responsible for the sharp, specific acid taste of most types of cars . Many other carbonated beverages replace phosphoric acid with citric acid, achieving a similar taste. Most sports drinks , bottled iced teas , fruit punches and other fruit drinks also contain phosphoric acid.

According to a 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , beverages branded as "cola" have been linked to lower bone density in consumers. Phosphoric acid is thought to be responsible for this effect, but the data need to be supported by more research.

Phosphoric acid salts are also used in many dairy products to modify the protein content and change the acidity. It is often found in milk , cream - butter , cheese and coffee cream . Phosphates derived from the acid contribute to a more stable and long-lasting end product.

In food, E338 is most often used in the production of jam , processing of meat products and cereals . Most fresh chicken is treated with the chemical to enhance its moisture and flavor. It is also used as a leavening agent in pasta .

According to repeated and periodic studies on food additives by the European Food Safety Authority, E338 has been declared a safe ingredient in the food industry. The last such study is from 2017. Phosphoric acid has no known properties of the carcinogen , mutagen , were not observed efektu side effects on the course of pregnancy or health of the reproductive system.

A minimal part of the absorbed phosphorus compounds is absorbed by the body, over 98% of them are blocked from entering the renal tissues by parathyroid hormone , excreted in the feces. The human body has a strong tolerance to phosphates in food and can absorb much higher amounts without affecting his health.

Food Supplement E338 - Phosphoric Acid

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