What are Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Allergy Symptoms?

Darrell Miller

10/18/11

Date: October 18, 2011 02:08 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What are Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Allergy Symptoms?

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a substance which is consists of pyrophosphate and sodium ions. This chemical compound is colorless and transparent in appearance with a crystalline characteristic. Since it contains sodium, its toxicity can be compared to that of the common table salt. Its toxicity level is double with that of the table salt when consumed. The other names for table salt are sodium pyrophosphate, sodium diphosphate or TSPP.

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is commonly used as a buffering chemical which is helpful in neutralizing pH and as an emulsifying, dispersing or thickening agent commonly used as a food additive. Foods which commonly have Tetrasodium pyrophosphate include chicken nuggets marshmallows, rice pudding, canned tuna, processed crab meat and soy – based meats. This is for the reason that Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can effectively promote the binding of protein to water. During the World War II, this chemical compound has been used as a good substitute for the baking powder’s acid content. Today, this chemical compound is still used by several baking powders as their acid reagent. In addition to the above –mentioned uses of Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, it can also be found in some toothpastes and dental flosses because it has been found to be effective in tartar control agent. In the mouth, this chemical substance effectively removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva therefore preventing mineral deposition in the form of plaque.

Aside from being an ingredient among many commonly used food products and goods, Tetrasodium pyrophosphate can also be a good source of the nutrient phosphorus. However, there are several people who are allergic to Tetrasodium pyrophosphate. Symptoms of Tetrasodium pyrophosphate allergic reaction may be immediate or delayed hypersensitive reaction. The immediate allergic reactions quickly occur and may be recognized readily.

Most common symptoms of immediate allergic reaction to Tetrasodium pyrophosphate include hives, gastric upset, sinus congestion, body aches especially on the head part, and unusual headache. Delayed onset of allergic reaction may still include hives and headache and may be accompanied by a fatigued feeling, lethargy or mild depression. For toothpastes and detergents with Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, the common manifestation of allergic reaction include redness, swelling and heat felt on the part of the body such as the mouth or hands exposed to such product which contains Tetrasodium pyrophosphate.

There is no drug to treat allergy to Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, only for its signs and symptoms. Like any other hypersensitivity, the best and only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid use, consumption and even exposure to the allergen or the chemical which can cause and trigger allergic reaction.

If you have allergic reactions to certain food items or chemical products, it would be best that you should seek medical help so that allergic reactions will be prevented or certain medications will be prescribed to alleviate symptoms when hypersensitivity occurs. Familial history of allergic reactions must also be clearly determined so that evaluation will be reliable. If allergic reaction to a certain chemical is verified, it would be best that you should always prepare a medication to relieve the allergic reaction.