What are the main functions of mineral additives in the food industry?

In the food industry, the functions of mineral additives mainly lie in three aspects.
First, they supplement mineral nutrition. Many foods lose some minerals during processing, or certain minerals are naturally present in low concentrations. Adding mineral additives can make up for these deficiencies. For example, calcium carbonate is added to flour to supply calcium, and potassium iodate is added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.
Second, they improve food quality and stability. For instance, phosphate mineral additives added to meat products can enhance water retention, making meat more tender and juicy. They also improve stability and extend shelf life.
In addition, some mineral additives can regulate the pH value of food. For example, in beverage production, sodium bicarbonate is used to adjust acidity and pH, resulting in a more pleasant taste.