Ingredient Information

Function

Monopotassium phosphate has a variety of functions. It is a soluble salt because of which it finds application as a buffering and neutralizing agent in soft drinks, milk products and meat. It acts as thickener, emulsifier, sequestrant, acidity regulator, humectant and stabilizer. As a thickener, it absorbs fluid content and thickens the mass of the food. As an emulsifier, it binds two liquids that do not blend easily like oil and vinegar. As a sequestrant, it improves the stability and quality of the food products. As an acidity regulator, it controls alkalinity or acidity of in food and balance the Ph value. As humectant, it helps retain the moisture of the ingredients. It also acts as stabilizers, which are a form of food additives. It is used in dessert mixes, pasteurized processed cheese, cheese spreads, jelly products, cheese foods, non diary powdered coffee creams and sauces. It is also used in vitamin waters and energy drink. The Pepsi company uses this ingredient in its sports drink Gatorade.

Other Use and Industries

It is used in fertilizer industry. It is a rich source of elemental nitrogen which improves the quality of soil. As a humectant, it is used in the cosmetics industry to manufacture moisturizers. It is used in cigarettes as additives.

Health Effects

It is said that monopotassium phosphate is used as an antioxidant synergist. An antioxidant synergist augments the action of the antioxidants. Potassium helps in the regulation of blood pressure. Phosphorous content helps in strengthening of bones and teeth. It is said to be used in the prevention of calcium kidney stones. It is also used in the treatment for skin irritation caused by high ammonia content in urine, since it decreases the amount of ammonia. It is also used in antibiotics for treating bladder infections.

Monopotassium phosphate can cause combined potassium and phosphorus intoxication. Potassium salts may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and discomfort in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include listlessness, weakness, confusion, hypotension, heaviness of the legs, blockage in heart etc.

Origins

Monopotassium phosphate is produced by chemical reactions. It history of this additive dates back to 1996 and Gadbot Biochemical Ind in Israel. Monopotassium Phosphate is a source of potassium and phosphorous and is produced using a number of methods. One such method is by reacting phosphoric acid with potassium chloride in the presence of an organic solvent. The sources of potassium phosphates are diary products, eggs, meat, poultry and in sea food.