Calcium phosphates
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Description
The food additive E341, known as calcium phosphates, includes several calcium salts of phosphoric acid: monocalcium phosphate (E341(i)), dicalcium phosphate (E341(ii)), and tricalcium phosphate (E341(iii)). They are obtained industrially by reacting phosphoric acid with calcium hydroxide or carbonate, followed by drying and grinding. They are white, odorless powders, insoluble in water but soluble in acids. Their main functions are as a stabilizer, texturizing agent, anticaking agent, and calcium source.
In the EU, it was approved after evaluations by EFSA, which considers it safe at authorized doses. WHO/JECFA has also evaluated it, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 70 mg/kg body weight for total phosphorus (sum of all phosphates). No specific ADI has been set for E341, but the phosphorus limit applies.
The food safety of E341 is supported by decades of use without significant adverse effects. On labels, it appears as 'calcium phosphates' or its E number. It is important for consumers with kidney insufficiency to monitor phosphorus intake.
E341 is used in a wide variety of foods. In the EU, according to Regulation EC 1333/2008, it is authorized in: processed cheeses (up to 20 g/kg), sterilized cream (up to 2 g/kg), evaporated milk (up to 1 g/kg), ice cream (up to 2 g/kg), dairy desserts (up to 2 g/kg), food supplements (quantum satis), and as an anticaking agent in spices and salt (up to 10 g/kg).
In the Spanish market, it is found in sliced cheeses, cooking creams, ice creams, and calcium supplements. Compared to the FDA, in the US it is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) without specific limits, but with good manufacturing practices. In Japan, its use is similar to Europe. EU limits are conservative and ensure that total phosphorus intake does not exceed the ADI.
Calcium phosphates (E341) are generally safe in the amounts used in foods. EFSA and WHO/JECFA conclude that there is no evidence of adverse effects in the general population. However, excessive phosphorus intake (from all sources) can disrupt the calcium-phosphorus balance and affect bone health, especially in people with chronic kidney disease. In these patients, it is recommended to limit phosphate intake. No acute side effects from E341 have been documented.
There are no known interactions with medications, except that it may reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics (tetracyclines) if taken together. EFSA established that phosphorus intake from additives does not exceed 10-20% of the total ADI, so the safety margin is wide. In conclusion, for the healthy population, E341 is safe and produces no side effects.
- Monocalcium phosphate
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Tricalcium phosphate
- Calcium phosphate monobasic
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- Calcium phosphate tribasic
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