Trisodium Phosphate And Vinegar

Trisodium phosphate is a white powder once widely used in household cleaners and detergents, while vinegar is a liquid byproduct of the fermentation of ethyl alcohol. You might not think that these two agents have anything in common, but they do. Both are used in the food industry and as dietary supplements, although there is little scientific evidence to support the latter. In addition, there are potential side effects associated with trisodium phosphate and vinegar to consider.

Trisodium Phosphate

Trisodium phosphate, also known as trisodium orthophosphate, sodium phosphate or simply TSP, is one of the chemicals collectively referred to as “phosphates,” which are no longer used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products because of their negative environmental impact. TSP is still used in toilet bowl cleaners and heavy duty cleaning products designed for use on decks, walls and floors prior to painting. TSP is also used to prevent oxidation in plumbing materials. It is readily available in hardware stores and home improvement centers.

Vinegar

Numerous varieties of vinegar made from different fruits, cane, malted barley, red yeast rice, honey, champagne or beer are easily found in any supermarket. One or more likely reside in your kitchen pantry right now. Like TSP, vinegar, or at least distilled white vinegar, is used for household cleaning by people concerned with the potential toxins found in many commercially packaged products. Vinegar is also used in natural cosmetics and for first aid.

Use in Food

Paired with olive oil, vinegar adds tang to salad dressings and marinades for meat and vegetables. Vinegar is also an ingredient in many condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and chutneys. TSP also is used in the food industry, where it is known as food additive E339. It is a common ingredient in cereals, sauces, cheese dips and imitation cheese products.

TSP Health Claims

Athletic enthusiasts use a supplemental form of TSP to facilitate “sodium phosphate loading.” The theory is that if phosphate is increased, more energy will be made available as a result enzymatic reactions that occur in cells known as the Krebs cycle. According to a study published in the “Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport” in 2008, sodium phosphate loading increases the uptake of oxygen by cells and, in this experiment, significantly enhanced the performance of six male trained cyclists.

Vinegar Health Claims

Vinegar is touted as a dietary aid to assist weight loss, but proof of this is slim. However, a study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” in 2011 shows that apple cider vinegar significantly decreases levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Safety Issues

The acidity of vinegar my damage the esophagus or stomach over time, especially if it is ingested in large amounts. Because TSP is an ingredient in oral laxatives, dietary intake of this substance may cause diarrhea. In large doses, TSP is toxic, capable of severely and suddenly lowering blood pressure, causing vision disturbances and difficulty breathing. Do not use vinegar or TSP to self-treat any condition or to enhance physical performance without consulting your physician.

Trisodium Phosphate and Vinegar