Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for human, animal and plant life. It is required for growth, maintenance, and repair of all body tissues and is necessary (along with calcium and magnesium) for proper formation and growth of bones. It occurs naturally in our food, water, and bodies.

Phosphates are useful derivatives of the element phosphorus. As a group, phosphates comprise one of the most important functional segments of food ingredients. These high-quality ingredients are used to enhance the characteristics, cooking performance, and value of the foods in which they are used. In addition, phosphates can improve the nutritional value of foods, an important benefit to increasing numbers of health-conscious consumers.