Tricalcium phosphate is a supplementary form of calcium phosphate used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for the health of bones and teeth.
Tricalcium phosphate is a supplementary form of calcium phosphate used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for the health of bones and teeth. Calcium is naturally found in foods such as dairy products, nuts and seeds, and dark leafy vegetables. These can be considered vegetarians. However, in most cases, calcium phosphate is made from ground animal bones.
Tricalcium phosphate is an effective nutritional supplement because it is easily absorbed by the body. However, there is little evidence that it is more effective than other calcium supplements, especially those containing trusted sources of citrate and carbonate. In addition to being used as a supplement, tricalcium phosphate is also used as an anticaking agent in powdered foods. Block agent. It is also used as an additive in some processed foods to increase calcium content.
Also Known As
Other names include:
ãTribasic calcium phosphate
ãBone phosphate of lime
ãCalcium phosphate
Calcium is stored primarily in the body’s bones and teeth. Calcium is important in children and adolescents who require it for bone growth and development. Adults also need calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Calcium is most readily absorbed through foods that are naturally high in calcium. Sometimes people who have lactose intolerance or who are vegan may not get enough calcium through their diets.
Signs of calcium deficiency may include:
ãMuscle cramps and spasms
ãTingling in the hands and feet
ãMemory difficulty
ãBrittle nails and bones
ãIn post-menopausal people, when bone-breakdown occurs faster than new bone is generated, adequate calcium is especially important in preventing osteoporosis.
1. Calcium is most easily absorbed through foods that are naturally high in calcium. Sometimes, people who are lactose intolerant or vegan may not get enough calcium through their diet.
2. Calcium is mainly stored in the bones and teeth of the human body. Calcium is important for children and adolescents who need calcium for bone growth and development. Adults also need calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth.
3. In postmenopausal people, when bones are broken down faster than new bones are formed, adequate calcium is particularly important for preventing osteoporosis.
Tricalcium phosphate is considered safe to be used as a food additive and supplement, but some people have contraindications to it, and there may be interactions and side effects.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with certain health conditions, such as kidney stones or parathyroid disease, should consult a doctor before taking tricalcium phosphate.
Tricalcium phosphate can make it more difficult for your body to absorb other drugs. If you are currently taking medications, you should discuss how they interact with tricalcium phosphate.
Supplementing with tricalcium phosphate is generally considered safe, but there are some risks and precautions. Sometimes tricalcium phosphate may cause certain side effects, such as:
ãNausea or vomiting
ãConstipation
ãIncreased thirst
ãIncreased urination
ãDecreased appetite
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with certain health conditions, like kidney stones or parathyroid gland disorder should talk to their healthcare providers before taking tricalcium phosphate.
Tricalcium phosphate can make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications. If you currently take medications, you should discuss how they may interact with tricalcium phosphate.
Some medications that may be contraindicated include, but are not limited to:
ãMedications used to treat heart failure
ãAntacids
ãVitamin D supplements
ãCertain antibiotics
Calcium is abundantly found in many common foods, like dairy products and green, leafy vegetables. Most people will find sufficient calcium by eating a well-balanced diet.
Foods naturally high in calcium include:
ãDairy products, like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and yogurt
ãCalcium-fortified orange juice
ãSoy products, such as soy milk and tofu
ãFish, like salmon and sardines
ãGreen vegetables, like broccoli, kale, spinach, and turnip greens3
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium is stated in milligrams (mg) per day. It varies by age and whether someone is post-menopausal:
ãInfants (0-6 months) need 200 mg/day
ãInfants (7-12 months) need 260 mg/day
ãToddlers (1-3 years) need 700 mg/day
ãChildren (4-8 years) need 1,000 mg/day
ãChildren and teens (9-18 years) need 1,300 mg/day
ãAdults (19-50 years) need 1,000 mg/day
ãPost-menopausal adults (51-70 years) need 1,200 mg/day
ãAdults over 70 years need 1,200 mg/day3
If you are considering supplementing with tricalcium phosphate, remember that you will still receive calcium in the food you already eat. You may want to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine which dosage is right for you.
Q1. Is tricalcium phosphate bad for you?
Tricalcium phosphate is a common additive in foods and it is also used as a nutritional supplement. It is considered safe for human consumption.
People who are considering using tricalcium phosphate should discuss it with their healthcare provider. Certain medical conditions are contraindicated. If you have kidney stones or kidney disease or have parathyroid gland disorder, you may not be able to take tricalcium phosphate.
Some medications and supplements should not be taken with tricalcium phosphate. Antacids, certain heart medications, some antibiotics, and vitamin D supplements are contraindicated.
Q2. How does tricalcium phosphate compare to other calcium supplements?
Elemental calcium is the amount of calcium released during digestion that becomes available for absorption. Calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate have the highest concentration of elemental calcium at 40%. Calcium citrate comes in next at 21%, calcium lactate at 13%, and calcium gluconate at 9%.7
Determining which form of calcium supplement is right for you is best determined in partnership with your healthcare provider. Be sure to discuss your diet, existing health conditions, and medications as you evaluate tricalcium phosphate. The best way to get adequate calcium is by consuming calcium-containing foods.
Tricalcium phosphate is a common food additive and it is also used as a nutritional supplement. People who do not get adequate calcium through food sources may decide to take a calcium supplement, like tricalcium phosphate, but calcium is best absorbed when consumed through food. Be sure to discuss any supplements and your individual needs with your healthcare provider.
We are a food-grade tricalcium phosphate supplier, please feel free to contact us if you need them.