Ingredient Information

Function

Phosphoric acid is used in beverages, desserts, candies and cheeses for its acidity and sour taste. Phosphoric acid is also an important ingredient of commercial yeast and can be found in many bread products. Many food products require a certain level of acidity to remain shelf-stable, so ingredients such as phosphoric acid or citric acid are added to them.

Other Use and Industries

The medical and pharmaceutical industry use phosphoric acid widely for the supplementation of deficient patients.

Health Effects

Since phosphate is an essential nutrient required by the body, the health effects of moderate doses are positive. A deficiency of this mineral causes loss of appetite, muscle weakness, anemia, bone pain, rickets, numbness, tingling and poor coordination. Deficiencies are found almost exclusively in cases of prolonged starvation, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa and diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition resulting from poor diabetes management. Toxicity, on the other hand, has been reported at levels of 4000mg per day or more in adults, and can cause decreased bone health and organ calcification. The recommended daily intake for adults is 700mg per day. As a result of excess soft drink intake in the United States, the levels of phosphorus consumed in a normal day on average is substantially more than the recommended level. This can cause poor bone mineral density for individuals who also have low calcium intake.

Phosphoric acid is a concern for patients with kidney disease. In cases of decreased kidney function, even normal levels of phosphorus can cause calcification of the kidneys. Patients with renal failure are frequently restricted to a low-phosphorus diet.

Origins

Phosphoric acid is commercially extracted from a phosphate rock and is sold as a salt or a liquid with dissolved phosphoric acid. Phosphates are required by every animal and plant, and therefore is found very commonly in the food supply. Foods particularly high in phosphorus include diary, meat and fish.