• Buffering agent: It helps to maintain the pH level of food products and prevent them from becoming too acidic or too alkaline.
• Emulsifier: It helps to mix oil and water together and prevent them from separating.
• Dispersing agent: It helps to distribute solid particles evenly in liquid products and prevent them from settling or clumping.
• Thickening agent: It helps to increase the viscosity and texture of food products.

• Chicken nuggets: It helps to bind the ground meat and water together and improve the texture and appearance of the nuggets.
• Imitation crab and seafood: It helps to improve the color, flavor and texture of the processed seafood products and make them resemble real crab and seafood.
• Marshmallows: It helps to stabilize the foam structure of the marshmallows and prevent them from collapsing or shrinking.
• Canned tuna and meat: It helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the canned products and prevent them from drying out or spoiling.
• Soy-based meat alternatives: It helps to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the plant-based protein products and make them more similar to animal meat.

While tetrasodium pyrophosphate may seem like a useful ingredient for food manufacturers, it is not so beneficial for consumers. In fact, it can have some negative effects on your health, such as:

• Toxicity: Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a highly alkaline substance that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and visual disturbances if ingested in large amounts. The lethal dose for humans can be as low as 1 ounce for a 150-pound person
• Mineral depletion: Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can bind to calcium and magnesium in your saliva and prevent them from being absorbed by your body. This can lead to mineral deficiencies and affect your bone health, muscle function and nerve transmission
• Kidney damage: Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can accumulate in your kidneys and cause damage to the renal tubules, which are responsible for filtering waste and toxins from your blood. This can lead to kidney failure and other complications
• Teratogenic effects: Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can cause congenital deformities or spontaneous abortion in pregnant animals. The effects on human fetuses are not well known, but it is advisable to avoid this additive if you are pregnant or planning to conceive

• Read the ingredient labels carefully and look for alternative names such as sodium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium phosphate or TSPP.
• Choose fresh or frozen foods over processed or canned foods whenever possible.
• Make your own chicken nuggets, imitation crab, marshmallows or soy-based meat alternatives at home using natural ingredients.
• Use natural substitutes for tetrasodium pyrophosphate such as baking soda, cream of tartar, lemon juice or vinegar.
• Consume enough calcium and magnesium from foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans.