Content
Food additive E451 belongs to the category of triphosphates. This group of substances has a pronounced stabilizing effect. By adding the component, it is possible to maintain a pleasant taste, prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors and extend the shelf life.
What kind of additive is E451
Food additive E451 is a food additive from the triphosphate category. This substance is a tripolyphosphoric acid compound. Used in industry to stabilize and fix colors.
It comes in the form of a powdery mass of white, cream or yellowish color. May contain small inclusions of various shapes. The mixture shows high hygroscopicity, that is, it absorbs water vapor well from the air. It has a high melting point. It dissolves well in water, but does not interact with ethanol.
E451 Roster
Phosphorus comes in several varieties, which come in black, purple and white. After modification, the substance acquires a yellowish or reddish tint. When phosphorus is burned, phosphoric anhydrite is formed. Tripolyphosphoric acid is obtained from this substance by hydration.
Triphosphates or food additive E451 are produced as a result of dehydration by heating mixtures of phosphoric acid and other components. Subsequently, the substance undergoes crystallization.
Is sodium triphosphate harmful or not (E451)
The influence of the food additive E451 on the body has been argued for many years. Studies were carried out on animals, from which it turned out that the substance is not completely safe. The stabilizer does not affect the functioning of the reproductive system and does not cause infertility, which is a certain advantage. But it is possible that mutagenic reactions can occur inside the body.
Food supplement E451 is not excreted from the body. This means that it has the ability to accumulate in tissue and cellular structures. The component adversely affects the state of the mucous membranes, thereby leading to the development of inflammatory processes. Therefore, the use of the substance should be wary of those people who suffer from problems with the digestive tract.
Food additive E451, when ingested, begins to break down into orthophosphates. Against this background, there is a change in the acid-base balance and a violation of metabolic processes.
With an excessive accumulation of the stabilizer in tissues and cells, calcium absorption worsens. Against this background, the kidneys begin to work worse. Some people develop osteoporosis.
Food supplement E451 adversely affects the functionality of the nervous system. This becomes the cause of overexcitement.
People who work with a food additive are advised to take precautions. The fact is that the powder in contact with the skin and respiratory tract can seriously harm health. They are not allowed to work without a respirator and ventilation.If the substance gets on the mucous membranes, you need to urgently rinse them under running cool water and seek medical help.
Dangerous or not food additive E451
Food additive E451 is dangerous to the body. This is due to the fact that the substance has the ability to destroy a complex of protein compounds. With the decomposition of the component, the acidity of the gastric juice increases.
Orthophosphates are not excreted from the body, which means that it is dangerous for the kidneys. Small particles form sand and stones. After a while, a person may complain of severe pain in the lumbar region and worsening urination. This is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Children are strictly forbidden to give products with food additive E451. It not only badly affects the nervous system, but also significantly impairs the work of the not yet fully formed digestive tract.
Where and why add stabilizer E451
Most often, triphosphates are found in sausages, sausages, canned food and preserves. This component leads to an alkaline reaction, thereby increasing the acidity of the product. Thanks to the stabilizer, meat muscle fibers can absorb more water, which means that the weight of the original product will increase significantly.
But there is a limit to everything. The maximum allowable value is 5 g per 1 kg of product. At the same time, the recommended daily dose for a person does not exceed 70 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
Food additive E451 can also be found in such products:
- processed cheeses;
- bread;
- chips;
- sports or artificially mineralized drinks;
- jelly, marmalade;
- glazed fruits;
- cheeses, concentrated milk, ice cream, milkshakes;
- fruit ice;
- cider and beer drinks;
- pasta;
- dry desserts, soups and broths;
- syrups;
- cream, margarine, whipped batter, breakfast cereals.
Triphosphates are added to baking powder, bakery products, powdered sugar, minced meat and other semi-finished products, canned seafood. Often, the E451 food additive is combined with citrates.
Triphosphates are actively used not only in the food industry. They are added to detergents, decorative cosmetics, and perfumes. They are used in the textile industry, in the production of cement and means for protecting surfaces from corrosion.
Conclusion
Food supplement E451 is not as safe as it seems at first glance. If you carefully study the information about triphosphates, we can conclude that the component accumulates in the body and is not removed from it in any way. This is alarming in people. And rightly so, because E451 disrupts the functioning of the kidneys, digestive tract and nervous system. The stabilizer is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women and allergy sufferers.
