Dipotassium phosphate

Additive · E 340(ii)

Dipotassium phosphate is a soluble salt used to control acidity and keep food mixtures stable. Also called dibasic potassium phosphate or E340(ii), it supplies potassium and inorganic phosphate. Its effects depend on the amount consumed, the overall diet and kidney function.

Also known as

potassium phosphate dibasic · potassium phosphate, dibasic · dipotassium hydrogen phosphate · dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate · dipotassium monophosphate · dipotassium orthophosphate · dibasic potassium phosphate · dipotassium acid phosphate · secondary potassium phosphate · E 340(ii) · E340(ii) · INS 340(ii) · INS340(ii)

Why PRūF tracks it

Cumulative phosphorus intake and potassium sensitivity warrant attention in people with impaired kidney function, while mixed-additive biomarkers and high-phosphate animal findings leave the clinical effects of ordinary dipotassium phosphate consumption uncertain.

Read the research

Dipotassium phosphate supplies potassium and phosphate, both essential nutrients whose amounts matter. Inorganic phosphate additives can contribute readily available phosphorus beyond that naturally present in foods. EFSA sets a group daily value of 40 mg phosphorus/kg body weight from all dietary sources, and its exposure models exceed that value for some younger groups. The value does not cover moderate-to-severe kidney impairment.

JECFA reassessed the group in 2026 and retained a different value of 70 mg/kg, using a different animal-study derivation. Neither number is a limit specifically for dipotassium phosphate alone. Small feeding studies show changes in mineral regulation when phosphate additives change. A 2025 study found lower FGF23 and parathyroid hormone after reducing additives in adults with kidney disease, but used a fixed diet sequence and did not measure clinical outcomes.

A randomized 2017 study found no significant increase in its primary urine-albumin outcome or FGF23 with higher intake. These findings do not establish that ordinary amounts of this salt cause kidney or cardiovascular disease. A high-phosphate mouse study using this salt found offspring growth and mineral changes, but unmatched potassium and small litter counts limit interpretation; people with kidney disease may also need individualized potassium advice. Organic-label restrictions concern certification and do not constitute a conventional-food safety ban.

Research reviewed on September 5, 2026 · 12 sources