What is Dipotassium Phosphate?
Dipotassium phosphate is a white, water-soluble, hygroscopic inorganic potassium-phosphate salt (E340(ii)). It is used in the food industry as a buffer, emulsifying salt, and stabilizer; and as a source of potassium and phosphorus in supplements. It balances pH by forming a phosphate buffer system in solution.
- Molecular formula: K₂HPO₄
- CAS number: 7758-11-4
- Form: Powder / Inorganic Potassium Phosphate Salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4, CAS 7758-11-4) contains approximately ~45% potassium and ~18% phosphorus by weight; it serves as both a potassium and phosphorus/phosphate source. Due to its high solubility in water, it is widely used as a buffer and emulsifying salt.
What is Dipotassium Phosphate Used For? Why is it Used?
Dipotassium phosphate provides both potassium and phosphorus in a single compound and, thanks to its high solubility, is an ideal mineral source in liquid formulations. With its strong phosphate buffering capacity, it stabilizes pH in foods and supplements and regulates texture in milk/cheese products as the E340(ii) emulsifying salt. It offers a potassium-based solution for products where sodium load is undesirable.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Acidity Regulator, Mineral Supplement, Tablet Production, Powder Formulations, Energy Supplements.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Source of potassium and phosphorus: It is an authorized mineral source that provides both potassium and phosphorus in a single compound (dosed based on K NRV 2000 mg, P NRV 700 mg).
- Buffer (pH balancer): Thanks to its phosphate buffering capacity, it is used to stabilize pH in liquid supplements, electrolytes, and sports drinks.
- Electrolyte formulations: Since potassium is an important intracellular electrolyte, it can be used as a potassium source in electrolyte balance and rehydration products.
- Phosphorus source: It is preferred as a potassium-based phosphate source in formulations where sodium load is undesirable.
Usage in the Food Industry
- E340(ii) food additive: In the EU, it is classified under potassium phosphates with the number E340(ii); it is used as an acidity regulator (buffer), emulsifying salt, stabilizer, and sequestrant.
- Emulsifying salt and buffer: It acts as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese and as a buffer/stabilizer in coffee creams and dairy products, regulating protein distribution and texture.
- Fortification and pH control: It is used for pH control, potassium/phosphorus fortification, and anti-caking in beverages and powder mixes.
Effects on Health
Potassium and Phosphorus are mineral components that play various essential roles in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Nervous system: Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system (EFSA).
- Muscle function: Potassium contributes to normal muscle function (EFSA).
- Normal blood pressure: Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure (EFSA).
- Phosphorus — energy metabolism: Phosphorus contributes to normal energy metabolism via ATP (EFSA).
- Phosphorus — bone/teeth and cell membranes: Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bone/teeth and the normal function of cell membranes (EFSA).
- Sodium-potassium balance: Adequate potassium intake plays a role in regulating blood pressure along with sodium balance.
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Potassium NRV 2000 mg; Phosphorus NRV 700 mg (1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA has NOT established a numerical UL for Potassium; ~3000 mg/day of additional potassium has shown no adverse effects. There is also no numerical UL for Phosphorus; ~3000 mg/day is considered tolerable.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Dipotassium phosphate is an authorized potassium/phosphorus source in the TR Regulation and is authorized as E340 in the Food Additives Regulation. Current supplements should be consulted for exact numerical supplement limits.
Potassium supplementation should be under medical supervision in cases of renal failure or when using potassium-sparing drugs due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Potassium Content | ≥ 45 |
| Appearance | White Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are specified):
- PubMed 32500831 — Dose-response meta-analysis examining the relationship between potassium intake and blood pressure (randomized controlled trials).
- PubMed 24924995 — Review examining the relationship between sodium, potassium, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
- PubMed 36545737 — Review examining phosphate homeostasis and disorders of phosphate metabolism.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Dipotassium Phosphate.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- efsa.europa.eu
- ods.od.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it does not claim to diagnose or treat diseases.