Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate
Also known as: Trisodium phosphate, TSP, sodium phosphate tribasic dodecahydrate, Trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate
Overview
Trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate is a crystalline inorganic compound synthesized industrially from sodium and phosphate ions. While phosphate and sodium ions are naturally present in the body, TSP itself is not naturally abundant as a discrete compound. It is primarily utilized as a cleaning agent, a food additive (e.g., in meat processing to reduce microbial growth), and a biochemical reagent. It is not considered a typical nutritional supplement ingredient. Key characteristics include its strong alkalinity, water solubility, and antimicrobial properties when applied topically or in food processing. Research on its use as a human dietary supplement is very limited, with more robust data available on its industrial applications, food safety aspects, and biochemical uses.
Benefits
Trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate has demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects in food preservation. For instance, dipping chicken breast in TSP solutions has been shown to significantly reduce microbial counts and extend shelf life compared to controls. Studies indicate that TSP dipping can reduce psychrotrophic bacterial counts by approximately 2 log units compared to controls over 12 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.05). These effects are observed immediately after treatment and sustained during refrigerated storage. However, there is no direct evidence supporting systemic health benefits or any established population-specific benefits for TSP as a human dietary supplement. While phosphate salts generally play a role in mineral metabolism, TSP specifically has not been studied for this purpose in human supplementation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate, particularly its antimicrobial effect, is attributed to its strong alkaline pH. This high pH is believed to disrupt microbial cell membranes or interfere with their metabolic processes, leading to bacterial inactivation. When ingested in large amounts, TSP can significantly affect systemic pH, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis. The constituent ions, phosphate and sodium, are naturally regulated within the body. While phosphate ions are absorbed in the gut and participate in mineral metabolism, the specific safety and bioavailability of TSP as a supplement are not well characterized, and no specific molecular targets have been identified for its action as a supplement.
Side effects
Trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate has low acute toxicity, with animal studies showing an LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg. However, ingestion of high or repeated doses can lead to metabolic alkalosis, characterized by symptoms such as confusion, muscle spasms, nausea, and vomiting. Gastrointestinal irritation is a potential common side effect if ingested in significant amounts. Uncommon side effects may include electrolyte imbalance with excessive consumption. Rare but severe side effects, such as severe alkalosis and neurological symptoms, can occur in extreme cases. Specific drug interactions are not well-documented, but caution is advised with medications affecting electrolyte balance or acid-base status. TSP is contraindicated in individuals with kidney impairment or a predisposition to alkalosis. Special consideration and caution are necessary for children, pregnant women, and individuals with renal or cardiovascular disease due to the potential phosphate and sodium load.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate as a human dietary supplement, as its use in this context is not supported by research. In industrial and food preservation applications, it is typically used as a powder or in solutions, with antimicrobial effects observed when dipping products in 8–12% solutions. A maximum safe dose for oral supplementation has not been established for humans; acute toxicity data in animals suggest doses above 2000 mg/kg are toxic. Human safety margins remain unknown. Timing considerations are not applicable for supplementation. While phosphate absorption can be influenced by dietary factors, specific data regarding the absorption of TSP are lacking, and no specific cofactors are identified as required.
FAQs
Is trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate safe to consume as a supplement?
No, there is no evidence supporting its use as a dietary supplement. Ingesting large amounts can cause alkalosis and other adverse effects.
Can it improve athletic performance?
Some phosphate salts have been studied for ergogenic effects, but there is no direct evidence supporting TSP dodecahydrate for this purpose.
How is it used in food?
It is primarily used as an antimicrobial dip to reduce bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of meat products.
Does it affect kidney function?
Oral sodium phosphate bowel preparations have been linked to kidney injury, but this is not specific to TSP dodecahydrate as a supplement.
Is it the same as other phosphate supplements?
No, TSP is a strongly alkaline industrial salt, not typically used as a nutritional phosphate supplement.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1805707/ – This study, Sallam et al. (2004), investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of trisodium phosphate (TSP) dipping on chicken breast samples. It found that 8–12% TSP solutions significantly reduced psychrotrophic bacterial counts by approximately 2 log units compared to controls over 12 days of refrigerated storage, demonstrating its effectiveness in food preservation.
- https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/Trisodium%20phosphate_Human%20health%20tier%20II%20assessment.pdf – The NICNAS Human Health Assessment (2016) provides a toxicological review of trisodium phosphate. It concludes that TSP has low acute toxicity but highlights the risk of metabolic alkalosis with high or repeated ingestion, emphasizing that while its constituent ions are naturally regulated, excessive intake poses a safety concern.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34645696/ – Lioufas et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on phosphate-lowering therapies. While it focuses on phosphate binders and their impact on serum phosphate, it does not provide direct data or evidence regarding the use or effects of trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate as a dietary supplement.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10915818211014499 – Buck et al. (2013) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the ergogenic effects of sodium phosphate salts in athletes. The review suggests that some forms of sodium phosphate may have performance-enhancing benefits, but it explicitly states that there is no direct data or evidence specifically for trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate in this context.