Babies, infants and children may exceed the values ​​of health recommendations

Phosphates are essential substances naturally present in the human body and constitute a considerable part of our nutrition. They are present in almost all foods, especially those high in protein, such as cheese, cold cuts and meat. A certain group of phosphates is authorized as a food additive in the European Union. They are added to a large number of foods to fulfill various technological functions, for example: as acidity regulators. These include non-alcoholic beverages, particularly cola-based beverages, badped cream and cream products, milk drinks, milk powder and coffee dyes, as well as products based on of meat.

As part of a re-evaluation published on June 12, 2019, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for phosphates. The ADI value of 40 mg / kg body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus, applies to the absorption of phosphorus from foods that may naturally contain phosphates and those to which phosphates may be present. be added as food additives.

EFSA calculated the group ADI of 40 mg / kg body weight daily for healthy adults. It does not apply to people with moderate to severe renal impairment who are a particular risk group.

Infants, toddlers and children can exceed this value even with average amounts of consumption. This also applies to adolescents with a high phosphate diet.

The acceptable daily intake of phosphate is the maximum estimated amount at which individuals can be exposed daily throughout their life without appreciable health risk. From a toxicological point of view, the total absorption of phosphate should therefore not result in exceeding the acceptable daily intake. EFSA recommends the introduction of maximum levels to reduce the levels of phosphates used as additives in dietary supplements. The European Commission is considering measures to reduce phosphate levels in foods. The BfR agrees with the scientific badessment of EFSA.

Consumers can not recognize the amount of phosphate in unprocessed foods. For processed foods, the list of ingredients indicates whether food additives containing phosphates are contained. EFSA estimates that food additives represent between 6 and 30% of the average total phosphorus intake.

Phosphates are vital for all living organisms. These are essential substances naturally present in the human body and which constitute a considerable part of our nutrition. They are present in almost all foods, especially those high in protein, such as cheese, cold cuts and meat. Nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables may also contain larger amounts of phosphates. A certain group of phosphates is authorized as a food additive in the European Union. They are added to a large number of foods to fulfill various technological functions, for example: as acidity regulators. Examples of foods containing phosphate additives are refreshing beverages, particularly cola, badped cream and cream products, milk drinks, milk powder and coffee dyes, as well as meat products.

EFSA's opinion deals with the re-evaluation of phosphoric acid, phosphates and di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338-341, E 343, E 450-452) when it comes to the re-evaluation of phosphoric acid, phosphates and di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338-341, E 343, E 450-452). they are used as food additives. Phosphates are authorized as food additives in the European Union (EU) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

Phosphates are of low acute oral toxicity and, according to the latest available scientific evidence, do not raise any concerns with respect to genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. In toxicity studies, the only undesirable (undesirable) effects of high dose phosphates are kidney calcification and tubular nephropathy. The epidemiological studies reviewed did not reveal any consistent badociation between phosphate consumption and cardiovascular events.

EFSA has calculated a tolerable daily intake (ADI) of 40 mg / kg body weight per day, expressed as phosphorus, as a health-based proxy. This guideline provides protection to healthy adults because it is lower than the doses at which clinically relevant adverse (undesirable) effects occur. This value does not apply, however, to people with moderate to severe renal impairment.

Infants, young children and children can exceed this ADI value even with average consumption amounts. This also applies to adolescents with a high phosphate diet. There is no concern for the safety of infants less than 16 weeks of age who consume milk products and foods for special medical purposes containing phosphates.

Phosphates can currently be used quantum satis (that is, as much as technologically necessary) as additives in dietary supplements. EFSA noted that in people over 3 years of age taking such supplements regularly, the estimated exposure could exceed the ADI at levels badociated with risks for kidney function. Based on the evaluation of the exposure, EFSA recommends the introduction of maximum limits for phosphates used as additives in dietary supplements.

EFSA conducted a public consultation to obtain relevant information for the re-evaluation of phosphate-containing food additives in groups of interest to the fields of nephrology, mineral metabolism, medicine and cardiovascular and nutritional. EFSA scientists have taken into account these comments and remarks in the preparation of this scientific opinion.

EFSA's opinions are usually duly taken into account initially by the risk managers of a European Commission working group, and eventually by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Foodstuffs. food and feed (PAFF Committee). It is up to risk management to decide whether or not measures should be taken and what these measures should be. They may include changes in the terms of use, for example, as well as restrictions of use.

Consumers can not recognize the amount of phosphate in unprocessed foods. For processed foods, the list of ingredients indicates whether additives containing phosphates are contained. EFSA estimates that food additives represent between 6 and 30% of the average total phosphorus intake.

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Provided by
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment of the BfR