E338 - Phosphoric Acid

E338 PHOSPHORIC ACID

Phosphorus compounds are widely used as acidifiers and correctors for the acidity of foods to which they are added. These compounds, i.e. phosphoric acid and its salts, can be added to carbonated soft drinks and other products.

We must try not to consume an excess of phosphorus, because too high a consumption could cause a lack of calcium, and in children above all, this increases the risk of rickets (osteoporosis in adults).

Phosphoric acid or orthophosphoric acid is an inorganic compound normally present in many fruits and in many vegetables. However, the product used commercially by the industries is obtained from phosphate, extracted from US mines.

Phosphoric acid is an antioxidant, an acidity corrector and a chelating agent (ie a compound used to bind metal ions). It can be added to different products: it is used, above all, in carbonated beverages (for example cola), in frozen foods, in sauces, in meats and in cheese-based products.

At the moment, no significant negative side effects were found at normal doses, but it is good to limit the consumption of phosphates and their salts in order to avoid a calcium deficit.

ADI DOSE: 70 mg per kg of body weight.