Food stabilizer E 450: pyrophosphates. Harmful food additives

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-02 16:12

Almost all modern foods contain a wide variety of additives. Very often or even almost always, the consumer does not know about the harm that certain stabilizers and food additives can cause. The truth about the components that are included in the finished product is carefully hidden by manufacturers. In this article, we will take a closer look at what pyrophosphates are, what are their scope of use and negative qualities.

What is a stabilizer?

The food industry uses a variety of additives to achieve special color, flavor and special qualities that help maintain the presentation.

A stabilizer is a type of inorganic compound that is actively used by manufacturers to preserve the structure of a product for a long period of time. With the help of such substances, the product looks ready for use for a long time. It does not form mucus, and it does not look viscous. Therefore, the shelf life of the product is extended.

What is pyrophosphate?

Pyrophosphate is an ester or s alt of pyrophosphoric acid. Types of pyrophosphates and a table of food additives will be discussed below.

With dietary phosphatesthe color is stabilized and the consistency of the product is improved, and oxidative processes are slowed down. They have bactericidal and antioxidant effects. They are actively used for preserving meat and can be used in dairy products.

The formula for pyrophosphates is: P₂O_{7. Their frequent use can upset the balance between calcium and phosphorus. As a result, calcium will be less absorbed and begin to be deposited in the kidneys. This process will lead to the development of osteoporosis in the body. If your diet contains a lot of phosphorus, then you need to be especially careful about eating foods with phosphates.}

Classification of pyrophosphates

There are 8 types of pyrophosphates in all food production. Each is denoted by a Roman numeral. This index is written next to the name of the additive E 450. This additive is the most famous among all those used in the production of products. Consider the types of pyrophosphates in the table.

Table of food additives

Code	Pyrophosphate
E450I	disodium
E450II	trisodium
E450III	tetrasodium
E450IV	decals
E450V	tetrapotassium
E450VI	dicalcium
E450VII	calcium
E450VII	Dimagnesium

E450 (pyrophosphates): description

So we learned whatstabilizer and pyrophosphates, considered their types. Now let's take a closer look at other nutritional supplements. The most famous of these is sodium and potassium pyrophosphate. The food industry is very actively using this additive, especially the meat processing industry has succeeded in this. Consumers have seen it on product labels, but many are unaware of its properties and how much it can be consumed so as not to put themselves at risk.

Sodium pyrophosphate needs to be oxidized to get this well-known additive. Hydrochloric acid in this case is used as an oxidizing agent. This reaction leads to the removal of water from the solution, and the resulting compound retains moisture well. Thus, the well-known stabilizer E 450 is obtained. It is contained in canned meat, dairy products, juices, minced meat, confectionery.

In addition to cooking, this additive is found in detergents, in insect repellents, in various paints.

What is this stabilizer for?

Most often this stabilizer is used in the food industry as a baking powder, moisture retainer, acidity regulator. E 450 can be viewed under a microscope. There it has the appearance of a crystalline powder or white granules.

This additive is legal, so almost all manufacturers use it. The main function is to increase the volume and mass of the product. Therefore, its use is very beneficial for manufacturers.

But besides this main function, the E 450 has other purposes:

1. Makes the color uniform.
2. Improves texture.
3. Suspends natural acid processes.
4. Prolongs shelf life.
5. Keeps flavor.

Potassium and sodium pyrophosphates can form a uniform consistency, so the product stays fresh longer and has a nice appearance.

Body reaction

Ukraine, Russia, EU countries consider pyrophosphates as permitted additives. The exception is the eighth species (dimagnesium pyrophosphate). It has already been banned in the EU, but in Russia it is allowed. E 450 have a third hazard class, so they cannot be called safe for the body.

It is believed that small doses of this dietary supplement are completely harmless. But each organism is individual, and the reaction to the same amount of a substance is also different. This dietary supplement has been proven to increase blood pressure, cause allergic reactions, worsen digestion and reduce the absorption of essential nutrients from food.

If you regularly use E 450 (even in the smallest doses), then sooner or later calcium and phosphorus will begin to be poorly absorbed. Calcium will be deposited in the kidneys, stones will form, bone tissue will become brittle and dental problems may occur.

You should be very careful when choosing products in stores, it is better to avoid E 450 pyrophosphate in food. Scientists and doctors have calculated the maximum amount of this supplement that can be consumed - 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

E 450: harm and negative impact

Several variants of negative effects on the human body were considered above. But this is not the whole list of shortcomings. Let's consider them in more detail. The occurrence of an imbalance between phosphorus and calcium has been discussed above. There is more phosphorus in the body, and less calcium. In addition to the formation of kidney stones, there are problems with the musculoskeletal system. The treatment of osteoporosis is a very long and laborious process. You will need to eat right, follow a diet, consume vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium to be better absorbed, and also engage in regular exercise.

But the musculoskeletal system is not the only part of the body that will suffer from the action of the stabilizer E 450. The cardiovascular system will also fully feel the negative impact of this food supplement. Calcium is essential for the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. In case of its lack, the heart will wear out faster. It should also be noted that calcium is needed to produce insulin. Therefore, when it is not enough, the risk of developing diabetes increases.

If this supplement is constantly present in your diet, then cholesterol plaques may appear in the lumen of blood vessels. Recently, scientists conducted a study, the results of which shocked them. E450 is a carcinogen, so its use increases the risk of developing malignant tumors at times.

Where is the stabilizer E 450?

In order to avoid this dietary supplement whenever possible, you need to know where it is found and in what quantities. Most sodium pyrophosphate s alts are in meat products and semi-finished products: sausages, meat, dumplings, sausages, various deli cuts.

Processed cheeses and dairy products also contain huge amounts of pyrophosphates. Especially cheap cottage cheese and other dairy products.

Some manufacturers add E 450 to bread. Thanks to this nutritional supplement, it becomes heavier. Thus, less flour, sugar and other elements are used. Such products are very easy to identify, although, as a rule, this is already possible after purchase. Such bread is stored for a very long time and may not go stale for a whole week.

E 450 pyrophosphate is found in almost all popular products such as sodas, ice cream, crab sticks, quick frozen potatoes, liquor, cereals, tea, syrups, scones and more.

In the modern food industry, it is difficult to do without this stabilizer, because a pleasant appearance and a sufficient shelf life are the most important criteria that the consumer pays attention to.

In order not to risk your he alth and reduce the consumption of pyrophosphates, it is better not to buy semi-finished meat products, but try to choose natural meat. Dairy products and bakery products should be purchased from trusted sellers.

Conclusion

In the article we examined the food known to many peoplestabilizer E 450. Despite the fact that it is allowed in many countries, its use can cause irreparable harm to your he alth. Therefore, you should be extremely careful and carefully approach the choice of food.