Potassium Malates – E351

Toxicity: Low

What is Potassium Malates E351

The additive E351 is also known as potassium phosphate. It is a food additive used mainly as an acidity regulator in the food industry. It comes in the form of white powder or crystals and is obtained through the chemical reaction between phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide. This additive is used in a wide variety of food products, including meat, dairy, bakery and pastry products, carbonated drinks and pickles. It is used to control and maintain the pH in foods, improving their flavor, stability and appearance. Potassium phosphate (E351) is considered safe for human consumption as it is widely used in the food industry and has been approved by regulatory authorities such as the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. United States (FDA). However, it is important to keep in mind that some people may be sensitive or intolerant to this additive, so it is advisable to check the labels of food products to detect its presence and avoid its consumption in case of known allergies or intolerances. In summary, the additive E351, or potassium phosphate, is an acidity regulator used in the food industry to control and maintain the pH of foods. It is safe for human consumption, but it is recommended to check the labels in case of allergies or intolerances.

Adverse effects of Potassium Malates E351

Additive E351, also known as sodium phosphate or trisodium phosphate, is commonly used as an acidity regulator, thickening agent and emulsifier in the food industry. However, excessive consumption or consumption by sensitive people can have adverse effects on health. Some of the possible adverse effects of the E351 additive are

Gastrointestinal problemsExcessive consumption of sodium phosphate can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other intestinal disorders. This is due to its ability to alter the acid-base balance in the stomach and intestines.

Mineral imbalance Sodium phosphate can interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium in the body. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weakened bones.

Kidney Problems Excessive consumption of sodium phosphate can put additional pressure on the kidneys, which can contribute to the development of kidney stones and chronic kidney problems.

Hormonal disturbances Some studies have suggested that excessive consumption of sodium phosphate may interfere with hormonal regulation in the body. This can affect thyroid and hormonal function, which in turn can have impacts on overall metabolic health and hormonal balance. It is important to keep in mind that these adverse effects are generally associated with excessive or regular consumption of sodium phosphate. Consuming it in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet should not pose a significant health risk. However, if you have any concerns or particular medical conditions, it is always best to consult a health professional before making changes to your diet or consuming food additives.

How do you get Potassium Malates or E351?

The additive E351, also known as potassium phosphate, is obtained through a specific chemical process. Below, I detail step by step how it is obtained

Raw material Potassium phosphate is obtained from phosphoric acid, which can be obtained from various sources, such as phosphate rocks or calcium phosphates. .

Neutralization process Phosphoric acid mixes with potassium hydroxide to form potassium phosphate. This chemical reaction produces water as a byproduct.

Filtration and purification The resulting solution is filtered to eliminate any impurities or solid residues. It is then purified through a crystallization process to obtain pure potassium phosphate crystals.

Drying and grinding Potassium phosphate crystals undergo a drying process to remove excess moisture. After this, the crystals are ground to a fine powder.

Packaging The final product, potassium phosphate in powder form, is packaged in containers suitable for storage and distribution. It is important to note that, as consumers, we do not directly obtain the E351 additive in our home. This additive is already found in processed food products and is added by manufacturers for different purposes, such as an acidity regulator or antioxidant.

Food use of Potassium Malates E351

The additive E351, also known as trisodium citrate, is used in the food industry for various purposes. Below are some of the most common food uses of this additive

Acidulant Trisodium citrate acts as a weak acid in foods, providing a mild sour flavor. It is used in products such as carbonated drinks, jellies, cake fillings and sour sweets.

Stabilizer This additive helps maintain the stability of emulsions and dispersions in processed foods. It is used in dairy products, such as ice cream and baked goods, to prevent phase separation and improve texture.

Preservative E351 can act as an antifungal preservative in some foods. Helps prevent mold growth and prolong the shelf life of products such as breads, cheeses and sausages.

Texture improvement This additive can improve the texture of baked products, acting as an acidity regulator. In baked goods, it can help improve volume and fluffy texture.

Sequestering Agent Trisodium citrate also has sequestering properties, meaning it can trap unwanted metal ions in foods, such as iron and copper. This helps prevent oxidation and deterioration of food color and quality. It is important to keep in mind that the use of additives in foods is regulated and supervised by the health authorities of each country, and each additive has a maximum permitted dose. It is always advisable to read product labels and follow established consumption recommendations.

Industrial use of Potassium Malates E351

The additive E351, also known as sodium phosphate, has several industrial uses. Below are some of the most common uses

Food Processing Sodium phosphate is used as an acidifying agent and acidity regulator in the food industry. It helps balance the pH of foods and improve their flavor and texture. It also acts as a stabilizer to prevent crystal formation in dairy products and as an antioxidant to extend the shelf life of processed foods.

Production of detergents and cleaning products The additive E351 is used in the production of detergents and cleaning products to neutralize the acidity of the chemicals used and improve their effectiveness.

Water Treatment In some water treatment plants, sodium phosphate is used as a metal sequestering agent, meaning it helps remove unwanted metals from the water, such as iron and manganese, which can cause water quality problems.

Cosmetic industry The additive E351 is used in the cosmetic industry as a stabilizer and pH regulator in products such as creams and lotions. It may also help improve the absorption of other active ingredients in skin care products. These are just some examples of the industrial uses of the additive E35

It is important to note that different countries may have specific regulations and restrictions on the use of additives in foods and chemicals, so it is necessary to check local legislation before using these additives.

Recommended consumption of Potassium Malates E351

The additive E351, also known as sodium phosphate, is used in the food industry as an acidity regulator, antioxidant and stabilizer agent. Although it is considered safe for human consumption, it is advisable to follow the maximum consumption guidelines established by health authorities. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for sodium phosphate is 40 mg/kg body weight. This means that a 70 kg person could safely consume up to 2,800 mg of sodium phosphate per day. However, it is important to note that sodium phosphate is also present in many processed foods, such as meats, sausages, dairy products, soft drinks, and baked goods. Therefore, it is necessary to read food labels to determine the amount of additive consumed. In addition, it is advisable to maintain a balanced and varied diet, avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods and prioritizing fresh and natural foods. It is important to note that the maximum consumption recommendations may vary according to the regulations and standards of each country. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the specific guides and recommendations for your geographical area.

The additive E351 is also known as sodium calcium phosphate. Below, some beneficial properties associated with this additive will be mentioned

Stabilizer Sodium calcium phosphate acts as a stabilizer in certain food products, which helps maintain the desired consistency and texture.

Improves water retention This additive can help improve water retention in meat products, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.

Acidity regulator E351 also acts as an acidity regulator in foods and beverages. It helps maintain an adequate pH and improve the flavor and conservation of products.

Increases the shelf life of food products Being a stabilizer and acidity regulator, sodium calcium phosphate can help prolong the shelf life of certain foods, preventing premature decomposition and deterioration.

Improves the functionality of meat products E351 is commonly used in the meat industry to improve the structure and texture of processed products, such as hams, sausages and sausages. Helps retain moisture and improve the binding capacity of ingredients. It is important to keep in mind that the consumption of additives must be moderate and in accordance with the recommendations established by health authorities. Additionally, some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain additives, so be informed and consult a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.