Purpose Acidity regulators, such as phosphates, help control the pH levels of foods. Phosphates are useful derivatives of the element phosphorus. It is an essential mineral and the second most abundant nutrient in the human body. In the human body, phosphorus is required for growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues, and is necessary for the proper formation and growth of bones. Source Phosphate rock is mined to obtain phosphorus. Natural phosphate rocks include clay and other minerals and must be purified to isolate phosphorus in the form of phosphoric acid. The acid is reacted with alkaline salts to produce purified phosphates. Use Meats, tomato ketchup, some dairy products, and soft drinks are common sources of phosphates.
