Almost 3.5 billion people are affected by calcium deficiency, and it is almost half of the world’s population that has inadequate access to calcium. Lack of calcium in the body can cause various health issues, which may include pregnancy complications, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
People use various ways to fulfill their calcium requirements. Some of the supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. Though these forms are commonly used, tricalcium phosphate is another option that is becoming popular in recent times.
It is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid and is also termed calcium phosphate or tribasic calcium phosphate. It is used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency or as an anti-caking agent in powdered food items and additives in processed food.
Tricalcium phosphate is considered safe as a dietary supplement; still, it is not safe for some people. In this article, we have discussed the benefits of tribasic phosphate, including its side effects and dosages.
How Is Tricalcium Phosphate Beneficial?
Tricalcium phosphate is primarily used by people who are not getting enough calcium from their diet. This supplement is also consumed by people who are suffering from calcium deficiency to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. They are also used as additives in processed food to boos calcium and anti-caking agent in powdered food items.
Tribasic calcium phosphate plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the cells, muscles, and bones. It is also used in various medications, such as to treat low blood calcium levels. Calcium phosphate is also used to treat conditions caused by low calcium, like osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, and latent tetany.
Tricalcium is commonly used to fulfill the deficiency of calcium in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to exceed the required dose, which is 500 mg, as referred by Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDF). Crossing the tolerance upper limit can cause various health issues like kidney diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to consult health care professionals and registered dieticians before adding to your diet.
What Are The Side Effects Of Tricalcium Phosphate?
Though tricalcium phosphate supplements are considered to be safe, in some cases, they may cause serious health issues. One such health risk is hypercalcemia, which is caused due to too much intake of calcium phosphate. However, it is a rare condition that occurs, especially when an individual is suffering from certain medical conditions, and can cause issues like constipation, loss of appetite, confusion, or dry mouth.
The heavy intake of tricalcium phosphate can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. The problem commonly occurs in women who take calcium or multivitamin supplements. Studies have also shown that calcium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular health by up to 25% in men and 20% in women.
Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to consult healthcare professionals for the correct dose. People with kidney diseases are not allowed to use tricalcium phosphate as a supplement for calcium. Even people who are prescribed certain medications should consult their respective doctors to avoid any health risks.
What Is The Correct Dose Of Tricalcium Phosphate?
Till now, it is understood that incorrect consumption of calcium phosphate can cause various health issues. So, it is important to know the correct dose and the source to fulfill your calcium requirement.
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), an individual requires almost 500 mg of tricalcium phosphate in a single dose. It can vary between different age groups and how much calcium your body can preserve. For example, an adult body can absorb 45% of tribasic calcium phosphate in 200 mg, which is considered good for our health.
Therefore, it is recommended to fix the time to take the calcium phosphate in a day. It is better to split the dose amount throughout the day so that you don’t exceed the limit.
Final Words
So, it is recommended to have at least 500 milligrams in a single dose to provide an adequate amount of calcium. These supplements are available in natural food items, so it is not necessary to go for tablets or other sources to fulfill your needs. Still, if you are suffering from calcium deficiency or other health issues, it is recommended to consult your doctors first to know the correct dose.
