Calcium Phosphate: How Does It Work?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• About Calcium Phosphate Supplements
• How to Use Calcium Phosphate
• Other Considerations for Calcium Phosphate

Calcium phosphate is most often used to treat calcium deficiencies in your diet. However, there are several things you need to know before adding this supplement to your daily regimen. 

Calcium is an important mineral found naturally in food. It aids in healthy bone development and is crucial from infancy to adulthood. But, calcium does more than build strong bones. It’s also very important for healthy digestion. Calcium aids in bile acid metabolism, excretion of fatty acid, and healthy gut microbiota.

Calcium is in foods like:

• Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Dark green, leafy vegetables, like broccoli and kale
• Fish, like sardines and salmon
• Calcium-fortified foods, like soy products, cereals, fruit juice, and milk alternatives

When to supplement your calcium intake. Calcium phosphate is a supplement you can take if you don’t get enough calcium in your diet through food. Reasons you may need a calcium supplement include:

• Following a vegan diet
• Lactose intolerance that limits your dairy intake
• Consuming a lot of animal protein or sodium, both of which can cause calcium loss
• Using corticosteroids as part of a long-term treatment plan
• IBD or Celiac disease, which prevents your body from absorbing calcium properly

When you purchase a calcium phosphate supplement, take it exactly as is directed on the label. Be sure to read all instructions and warnings before beginning a regimen. Do not take more than is recommended.

If you have concerns that you’re not getting enough calcium, your doctor can help. Talk to your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet. Once your doctor gives you instructions for when to take your supplements, if you forget a dose, that’s okay. Do not take extra calcium phosphate supplements to make up for the missed dose. Instead, continue at your next dosage time with your usual amount.

Take it with food. Keep in mind that calcium is most efficiently absorbed if taken with a snack or meal. This is because your stomach produces acid to break down food. If you take the supplement on an empty stomach, there may not be enough stomach acid for proper absorption.

Drink water. When you take your calcium phosphate supplement, drink a full glass of water. Staying hydrated is important to your digestion, and it also aids in the absorption of nutrients.

Store properly. Your supplement needs to be kept at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. If not stored according to recommendations, your supplements may change in consistency or potency.

Remember vitamin D. Calcium is important for healthy bones, but your body doesn’t properly absorb it without sufficient vitamin D. Furthermore, vitamin D aids in bone metabolism that helps with remodeling and bone growth.

Risks of calcium phosphate supplements. You should always talk to your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet. This is especially important if you:

• Have a history of kidney disease or stones
• Have a parathyroid gland disorder
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Potential side effects of taking too much calcium phosphate include:

• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Lack of an appetite
• Constipation
• Dry mouth or extreme thirst‌
• Increase in urination

Calcium phosphate may interact with other medications or make them less effective. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking: 

• Digoxin 
• Antacids or any other calcium supplements
• Calcitriol
• Vitamin D supplements
• Doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline
• Levothyroxine

Kidney stones. If you develop kidney stones that are composed of calcium phosphate, you may need to adjust your diet. You may think that generally isn’t true, as long as the calcium is being taken with food.

In fact, calcium actually aids in your body’s ability to block potentially harmful substances from entering your digestive tract and causing kidney stones. 

Too much sodium can lead to more calciumin the urine, which can raise the risk of kidney stones. In addition to limiting sodium in your diet, limit animal protein, including: 

• Beef, chicken, and pork, especially meat from organs
• Eggs
• Fish including shellfish‌
• Dairy, including milk, cheese, and yogurt

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What is it and what are the risks?

Calcium phosphate is a compound that contains both calcium and phosphorus. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is a large component of bones and teeth. The compound has a variety of roles in the body, and some people may benefit from supplementation. However, too much calcium phosphate can also cause some health risks.

Both calcium and phosphorus are minerals that the body requires to perform a range of essential functions. Namely, they both play important roles in keeping bones strong and healthy. Many people get sufficient calcium and phosphorus from their diet. In some cases of deficiency, people may consider supplements. However, they should discuss this with their doctor, as while they can provide health benefits, they may also cause some side effects.

This article discusses the potential benefits and risks of calcium phosphate and whether a person should consider taking them.

Calcium phosphate, also known as tricalcium phosphate, is a type of mineral. It is a compound containing calcium and phosphorus, or phosphoric acid.

It is available as an option for calcium supplements, along with calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. There are also many different types of calcium phosphate. The largest calcium phosphate source in the body exists as hydroxyapatite (HAP), which is an important structural component of bones and teeth.

Calcium is also present in the circulatory system and tissues, while phosphorus is also an important component of DNA and protein. These minerals have essential roles in bone, muscle, blood, and nerve health.

Calcium phosphate also has many uses outside the body, as it is a component in many products, including:

• over-the-counter supplements
• antacids
• toothpaste
• bone graft substitutes
• fragrances
• anti-caking agents
• fertilizers

A person may benefit from calcium phosphate supplementation, particularly if they are experiencing a deficiency in these minerals. The recommended daily intake of calcium is about 1,000 milligrams (mg) and roughly 1,250 mg for phosphorus.

As such, supplementation may be useful for people who have certain health conditions, including:

• Hypocalcemia: A deficiency of calcium in the blood.
• Osteoporosis: This condition develops due to a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass. It can increase the risk of a bone fracture.
• Hypoparathyroidism: This rare condition results from the body not producing or releasing adequate parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is responsible for maintaining normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
• Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D helps absorb calcium in the gut. If a person is vitamin D deficient, they may also be calcium deficient.

Supplementation may also be useful for certain people that require additional calcium. This may includepostmenopausal people and those with dietary restrictions. Individuals experiencing menopause may have weaker bones due to a decrease in the production of the hormone estrogen. Additionally, people who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy products may be at a higher risk of being calcium deficient.

Calcium phosphate supplementation may also help with other conditions. A 2018 literature review notes that supplements could decrease total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration. High levels of these cholesterols may contribute to health conditions, such ascardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The review also adds that the supplements may help with gut health.

Calcium phosphate supplementation may also carry some risk. Potential side effects can include:

• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weakness
• headaches
• bone and muscle pain
• kidney problems

Disturbances in calcium and phosphate balance can affect many parts of the body. As many people may use calcium phosphate to supplement their calcium intake, they may take too much and develop hypercalcemia. This excessive amount of calcium can result in several complications, which people may refer to as:

• Groans: Hypercalcemia may result in discomfort and cause people to experience painful gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Bones: People may experience bone pain and are at risk of bone issues.
• Stones: Excessive calcium may cause kidney problems, such as kidney stones.
• Moans: This refers to the general feeling of fatigue and malaise people may experience.
• Thrones: This refers to the amount of time people may need to use the restroom due to increased urination and changes to bowel habits.
• Psychic overtones: This describes possible changes to mental state, such as lethargy, confusion, depression, and memory loss.

While more research is necessary, some evidence also notes that high calcium and phosphate intake may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

Additionally, calcium supplements may interact with certain medications. This can diminish the effect of the medication and lead to unwanted side effects. These medications may include:

• dolutegravir
• levothyroxine
• lithium
• quinolone antibiotics

As with any supplement, it is highly advisable for a person to discuss it with their doctor. A medical professional will be able to suggest the suitability of calcium supplements and may also provide alternative options. This is particularly important if a person is taking certain medications or at a higher risk of complications, such as kidney stones.

A person should take the calcium phosphate supplement as the packaging or their pharmacist directs. Different types of calcium supplements are available, so people should ensure they take the correct type.

A person typically takes calcium phosphate by mouth and it is available in liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule forms. A person should not exceed the daily dose recommended by the manufacturer and should carefully measure the correct dose. Calcium supplements absorb better when taken in smaller quantities of 500 mg or less. Therefore, people may divide their dose and space it throughout the day

Calcium supplements also absorb better with food. Therefore, a person may consider taking the supplement with a meal. Additionally, vitamin D can help calcium absorb better in the gut. As such, people may want to include dietary sources or a calcium phosphate supplement that already contains vitamin D.

If a person is also taking an iron supplement, it is advisable to take the calcium supplement 2 hours before or 2 hours after to maximize absorption.

People can obtain sufficient amounts of calcium from dietary sources. Foods rich in calcium include:

• dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
• fish, such as sardines and salmon
• green leafy vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, and watercress
• calcium-fortified foods, such as cereals, juices, and milk alternatives
• tofu
• nuts and seeds, such as almonds, sesame, and chia

Click here to learn more about calcium-rich vegan foods.

Calcium phosphate is a compound containing calcium and phosphorus. It is naturally present in the body, and some people may take it as a supplement to increase their calcium intake. Both calcium and phosphorus have a wide variety of functions in the body, including aiding in blood clotting, muscle function, bone regeneration, and cell signaling.

Supplements may benefit a person who has a health condition that requires extra calcium, including hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency. However, it is also possible for a person to experience side effects and complications from having too much calcium. This can include gastrointestinal distress, bone pain, and kidney problems.

As with any supplement, it is advisable for a person to consult their doctor. They can discuss whether supplements are suitable and suggest dietary sources of calcium, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods.

E341 – Calcium phosphates | Additives no

Other additive names (synonyms)

calcium phosphate, E341, calcium phosphate, E 341

Calcium phosphate (food additive E341) – is an inorganic substance, a salt of calcium and phosphoric acid. Of all hydroxyapatites (calcium phosphate compounds), calcium orthophosphate is the most resistant to the effects of extracellular body fluids and plays an important role in a number of physiological processes.

Calcium phosphates are found in cow’s milk. In the human body, calcium exists mainly in the form of calcium phosphates. Human bones are seventy percent calcium phosphate. Tooth enamel is also mostly composed of hydroxyapatites.

There are several subspecies of calcium orthophosphates used in the food industry:

• E341 (i) – monosubstituted calcium orthophosphate with the chemical formula: Ca [H ₂ PO ₄ ] ₂ ;
• E341 (ii) – disubstituted calcium orthophosphate with the chemical formula: CaHPO ₄ ;
• E341 (iii) – trisubstituted calcium orthophosphate having the molecular formula: Ca ₃ O ₈ P ₂ .

Calcium orthophosphate is obtained from minerals, and chemically – by the interaction of orthophosphoric acid with calcium oxide or lime milk and the hydrolysis of calcium hydroorthophosphate. The result of a chemical reaction is a white amorphous powder, slightly soluble in water, but soluble in acids. Unlike many chemicals, the solubility of phosphates decreases with increasing temperature.

Since the 1970s, a variety of studies have been carried out around the world on the biological behavior of orthophosphates. The negative effect of the E341 supplement on the body has not yet been scientifically proven, but there are rumors on the net that the E341 supplement causes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and indigestion.

Food additive E341 is used in the food industry as a stabilizer, acidity regulator, baking powder, color fixer. In addition, calcium orthophosphates are used as an emulsifying salt in the production of processed cheeses. In powdered milk and cream, the food additive E341 is used as a separating agent and anti-caking agent. Also, calcium orthophosphates are used as an anti-crystallizer of condensed milk and a thickener of plant tissues in the production of canned fruits and vegetables.

Most often, the E341 additive is used in the food industry in the production of bakery products, special drinks (for example, for athletes), concentrated milk with a high content of solids, milk powder, condensed milk, ice cream, fish and minced meat, alcoholic beverages, dry and herbal teas, convenience foods, breakfast cereals, instant foods, confectionery, baking powder, processed cheeses, dietary supplements, canned fruits and vegetables.

Other uses of calcium orthophosphates:

• production of fertilizers and mineral supplements for livestock;
• one of the components of toothpastes and powders;
• is used in the production of ceramics, glass, soft abrasives.

Foods containing E341

What are phosphates

Phosphates are salts of phosphoric acids that are found in fertilizers and are used to make many medicines. People encounter phosphates everywhere: they are contained in industrial and domestic wastewater, detergents. In addition, phosphates are officially allowed to be used as a food additive.

Phosphates are an essential component of the body of all people.

Phosphates are primarily a component of adenosine triphosphoric acid, which is the main energy carrier in the human body. Calcium phosphate (like many other phosphates) is important for our body. It is found in teeth and all bones. For them, it is the main building material.

Phosphates are an integral part of many medicines, which are absolutely necessary in the treatment of certain diseases.

Phosphates are widely used in the food industry. They are moisture-binding agents in the processing of meat and fish, as well as in the confectionery and dairy industries. Sodium phosphate is added to many products. It loosens the dough, makes cheeses, sausages and condensed milk homogeneous.

Mono-, di-, tri-, pyro- and polyphosphates are officially approved for use in the food industry of the Russian Federation. Features of their application in different branches of the food industry are very different.

For example, food phosphates with high solubility in water and salt solutions are used in meat and fish production. All of them are alkaline. Their addition leads to an increase in pH, and hence to an increase in the water-binding ability of proteins.

Potassium phosphate is used in the food industry as an antioxidant and bactericide. The effect of potassium phosphate on bacteria is explained by the fact that metabolic processes in the body of bacteria are suppressed. Accordingly, potassium phosphate is also used as a preservative.

We must not forget that the maximum allowed amount of phosphates added per 1 kg of raw meat in terms of P2O5 should not exceed 5 grams. The maximum permitted amounts of the same phosphates in fish products depend on their type, and usually range from 1 to 5 grams per kg in terms of P2O5. However, unscrupulous manufacturers violate these norms.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity.

Phosphates are also interesting, which belong to detergents. These are sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate and potassium phosphate. Sodium phosphate is an ingredient in many laundry detergents. It is necessary as a water softening agent (so that washing takes place better).

Potassium phosphate – an ingredient in liquid soaps, shampoos, etc. The purpose is the same as that of sodium phosphate – to make the water softer.

Calcium phosphate is used as a mild abrasive in toothpastes to help clean teeth better. The maximum content of phosphates in drinking water and water for household needs is 3.5 milligrams per liter of water. Why? So that water with a lot of phosphates does not work as a laxative (like sodium phosphate) or does not harm the intestinal microflora (like potassium phosphate). And did not increase the energy of the body when it is not necessary.

Many laundry detergents do not dissolve well in water and do not rinse well when washed.