Dipotassium phosphate as a food additive is most likely safe when consumed in moderate amounts. You should be cautious, however, if you have kidney problems or are taking it as a workout supplement.
Dipotassium phosphate is used as food additive. It's used in imitation dairy creamers to prevent coagulation and appears in certain powders used to prepare beverages.
Dipotassium phosphate is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It's a source of phosphorus, which may be a concern for those who have kidney disease. If your kidneys aren't working properly, they might have trouble maintaining healthy levels of phosphate in your blood. According to the Mayo clinic, too much phosphorus in your blood can contribute to your risk of developing bone or heart disease.
Moreover, the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest has warned that too much phosphorus isn't just a risk for those who are already suffering from kidney disease: it might also be bad, they say, for those who have healthy kidneys. There's some evidence that a diet with too much phosphorus can increase your chances of developing chronic kidney disease. Too much phosphorus might also lead to heart damage or arterial stiffening.
Dipotassium phosphate is sometimes advertised as a workout supplement. Generally, it's a bad idea to take phosphate supplements without first consulting with a doctor. There's not much literature yet about how it functions when used in a workout setting, so talk to a medical professional first and be sparing if you do plan to use it in this way.
A third use for dipotassium phosphate is as a medicine - it can be a diuretic or a laxative. Consult with a doctor if you're planning on using dipotassium phosphate as medicine. It can interact with certain other medications such as corticosteroids, so you'll want to talk to your doctor to avoid any potential adverse effects.
Possible long-term side effects
- kidney disease
- arerial stiffening
- phosphorus overload
- heart disease
Commonly found in
- non-dairy creamers
- powdered beverages
- mineral supplements
- starter cultures