Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

What is it:

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a form of sodium phosphate that is commonly used as a sequestrant, emulsifier, and texturizer in various processed foods. It is composed of a polyphosphate chain formed by the condensation of phosphoric acid. It involves the heating of orthophosphoric acid, resulting in the formation of sodium hexametaphosphate, which typically appears as a white powder or granular substance. It is used to enhance the texture of processed meats, prevent the crystallization of dairy products, and stabilize canned seafood by preventing discoloration and maintaining moisture. It also helps prevent interactions between heavy metal ions and food components, extending the shelf life of various food products.

Rating:

Sodium hexametaphosphate is produced synthetically and is not naturally occurring in nature. There is no data suggesting that it is harmful to humans, yet there is limited research. Some animal studies have suggested adverse effects at very high concentrations. Other animal research suggests that it may enhance cellular calcium signaling, which could have beneficial or harmful effects. Added dietary phosphates may pose a risk for people with various health conditions in which dietary phosphate intake needs to be monitored.

Resources:

  1. Both adverse reactions and no effect reported of the use of sodium hexametaphosphate in animals at high concentrations (animal study)
  2. Sodium hexametaphophate enhances calcium signaling in mice ocytes (animal in vitro study)
  3. Potential risks of phosphate additives in food (review)

How we rate ingredients

Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:

Clean

It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.

Caution

It goes into one or more of the below categories

  • It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
  • It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)

We Avoid

It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)

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