Calcium phosphates
فوسفات الكالسيوم
Raising agent / anti-caking / fortificant
Doubles as a calcium source - but still adds to your phosphate load.
Why this verdict
EFSA 2019 group ADI 40 mg P/kg bw/day; total phosphate exposure exceeds the ADI for high consumers and children. Added inorganic phosphate is near-completely absorbed (vs ~40–60% for natural organic phosphorus); high phosphate load is a cardiovascular/renal concern, especially with reduced kidney function. Approved and ubiquitous → caution, not avoid.
What It Is
Calcium salts of phosphoric acid - raising agent, anti-caking agent, and calcium-fortification source in baked goods, flour, and plant-based milks.
The most 'useful' phosphate - a raising agent, anti-caking agent, and calcium fortificant in flour, baking powder, and plant milks. Still a highly-absorbed added phosphate, so it counts toward the intake ceiling EFSA flagged. It's also the plant-friendly alternative to animal-bone phosphate (E542).
Evidence & Status
IARC Carcinogen Group
Not classified
Acceptable Intake
phosphorus group ADI 40 mg P/kg bw/day (EFSA 2019); high consumers & children may exceed
EU Status
Approved (group ADI 40 mg P/kg, EFSA 2019)
US · FDA Status
Approved (GRAS)
Halal Status: Halal
Mineral/synthetically produced phosphate salt - halal. (Animal-bone-derived phosphate is E542, which is source-dependent.)
Worth Knowing
Also Known As
E 341 · Calcium orthophosphates · MCP · DCP · TCP · Dicalcium phosphate · Calcium hydrogen phosphate · E341
Primary Source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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