Almost all modern foods contain a wide variety of supplements. Very often, or even almost always, the consumer is not aware of the harm that one or another stabilizer or nutritional supplement can cause. The truth about the components that make up the finished product is carefully hidden by the manufacturers. In this article, we will examine in more detail what pyrophosphates are, what are their scope and negative qualities.
What is a stabilizer?
The food industry uses various additives to achieve a special color of products, aroma and special qualities that will help maintain their presentation.
A stabilizer is a type of inorganic compound that is actively used by manufacturers to maintain the structure of the product for a long period of time. With the help of such substances, the product looks ready to use for a long time. It does not form mucus, and it does not look viscous. Therefore, the shelf life of the product increases.
What is pyrophosphate?
Pyrophosphate is an ester or salt of pyrophosphoric acid. Types of pyrophosphates and a table of food additives will be discussed below.
With the help of food phosphates , color is stabilized and the consistency of the product is improved, and oxidative processes are slowed down. They have a bactericidal and antioxidant effect. Actively used for preserving meat and can be part of dairy products.
The formula of pyrophosphates is: P 2 O 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 consuming foods with phosphates.
Classification of Pyrophosphates
In all food production, there are 8 types of pyrophosphates. Each is indicated 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 products used in the manufacture. Consider the types of pyrophosphates in the table.
Food supplement table| The code | Pyrophosphate |
| E450I | disodium |
| E450II | trisodium |
| E450III | tetrasodium |
| E450IV | decalion |
| E450v | tetracaly |
| E450VI | dicalcium |
| E450VII | calcium |
| E450VII | Dimagnius |
E450 (pyrophosphates): description
So, we learned what stabilizer and pyrophosphates are, and examined their types. Now we dwell on other nutritional supplements. The most famous of these is sodium and potassium pyrophosphate. The food industry is very actively using this supplement, the meat processing industry has particularly succeeded in this. Consumers saw it on product labels, but many are unaware of its properties and how much it can be consumed so as not to put itself at risk.
Sodium pyrophosphate must be oxidized to obtain this additive known to all. In this case, hydrochloric acid is used as an oxidizing agent. This reaction leads to the removal of water from the solution, and the formed compound retains moisture well. Thus, the well-known stabilizer E 450 is obtained. It contains canned meat, dairy products, juices, minced meat, and confectionery.
In addition to cooking, this supplement is found in detergents, insect preparations, and various paints.
What is this stabilizer for?
Most often, this stabilizer is used in the food industry as a baking powder, moisture retainer, and acidity regulator. E 450 can be examined under a microscope. There it has the appearance of crystalline powder or white granules.
This additive is allowed by law, so it is used by almost all manufacturers. The main function is to increase the volume and mass of the product. Therefore, its use is very beneficial to manufacturers.
But in addition to this main function, the E 450 has other goals:
- Makes the color uniform.
- Improves consistency.
- Suspends natural acid processes.
- Extends the shelf life.
- Keeps taste.
Potassium and sodium pyrophosphates can form a uniform consistency, so the product remains fresh for a longer time and has a pleasant appearance.
Body reaction
Ukraine, Russia, the EU countries consider pyrophosphates as permitted additives. The exception is the eighth species (dimagnesium pyrophosphate). It has already been banned in the EU, but it is allowed in Russia. E 450s have a third hazard class, therefore they cannot be called safe for the body.
It is believed that small dosages of this dietary supplement are completely harmless. But each organism is individual, and the reaction to the same amount of substance is also different. It is proved that because of this food supplement, blood pressure rises, allergic reactions can occur, digestion worsens and the level of assimilation of necessary substances from food products decreases.
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 tooth problems can occur.
You should very carefully choose 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 is 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
E 450: harm and negative impact
Several options for 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 was discussed above. Phosphorus in the body becomes more, and less calcium. In addition to the formation of kidney stones, problems arise 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, as well as engage in regular physical exercises.
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 experience the negative impact of this food supplement. Calcium is necessary for rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. If it is lacking, 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 is increased.
If this supplement is constantly present in your diet, then cholesterol plaques may appear in the lumen of the blood vessels. Recently, scientists conducted research, the results of which shocked them. E450 is a carcinogenic substance, so its use increases the risk of developing malignant tumors at times.
Where is the E 450 stabilizer contained?
To avoid this food supplement whenever possible, you need to know where it is and in what quantities. Most salts of sodium pyrophosphate are in meat products and semi-finished products: sausages, meat, dumplings, sausages, and various delicious cuts.
Processed cheeses and dairy products also contain a huge amount 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 possible after the purchase. Such bread is stored for a very long time and may not stale for a whole week.
E 450 pyrophosphate is found in almost all popular products, such as carbonated drinks, ice cream, crab sticks, quick-frozen potatoes, alcoholic beverages, dry cereal, tea, syrups, rolls and much 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 health 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 must be purchased from trusted sellers.
Conclusion
In the article we examined the food stabilizer E 450 known to many people. Despite the fact that it is allowed in many countries, its use can cause irreparable harm to your health. Therefore, you should be extremely careful and carefully approach the choice of food products.