Used primarily in the medical field as a phosphate binder for patients with kidney disease, helping to control high phosphate levels in the blood. It is also utilized in the food industry as a buffering agent and preservative, enhancing shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth, maintaining pH stability, and supporting color retention in various processed foods.

In industrial applications, it serves as a mordant in dyeing processes, improving color fastness in textiles. Additionally, it finds use in the production of certain calcium-containing compounds, in environmental applications for sulfur dioxide removal from flue gases, and in cleaning products to dissolve limescale and mineral deposits.