Should You Take Calcium Phosphate?

Medically Reviewed on 8/12/2022
Calcium Phosphate
Calcium phosphate supplementation is generally regarded as safe.

Calcium phosphate is taken as medication to treat osteoporosis (low bone density). Yes, it is regarded safe to take calcium phosphate.

Calcium is the most abundant and crucial mineral of the bones that keeps the bones strong. If calcium content in the bones decreases, the bones weaken and may get fractured easily. 

Though calcium phosphate supplementation is used in such conditions, it is always recommended to acquire calcium through the diet.

Calcium promotes proper bone formation and digestion and is essential from childhood to maturity. Calcium promotes bile acid metabolism, fatty acid excretion, and a healthy gut microbiome.

Recommended daily intake of calcium

When it comes to calcium, some people may find it difficult or impossible to fulfill the recommended daily intake (RDI) by food alone.

  • The RDI for adults is 1,000 mg per day.
  • However, women older than 50 years and men older than 70 years require 1,200 mg of calcium per day because they are prone to osteoporosis.

Supplemental calcium prevents possible fractures.

Table. The RDI of calcium according to the National Institutes of Health
Age Recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium
Infants, birth to 6 months 200 mg
Infants, 7 to 12 months 260 mg
Children, 1 to 3 years old 700 mg
Children, 4 to 8 years old 1000 mg
Children, 9 to 18 years old 1300 mg
Adult men, 19 to 70 years old 1000 mg
Adult men, 70 years and older 1200 mg
Adult women, 19 to 50 years old 1000 mg
Adult women, 51 years and older 1200 mg

Most people obtain adequate calcium from their regular diet. Calcium is abundant in dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified meals. A cup (237 mL) of milk or yogurt has 300 mg of calcium.

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4 different forms of calcium supplements

  1. Calcium phosphate
    • Calcium phosphate is prescribed to treat calcium deficiencies in the body.
    • Though calcium levels in calcium phosphates are low compared to other forms of calcium, calcium phosphate provides phosphate.
    • Phosphate is another crucial mineral of the bone, and this supplementation treats any phosphate deficiency.
  2. Calcium carbonate
    • Calcium carbonate is found in over-the-counter (OTC) antacid products.
    • These calcium sources are inexpensive.
    • Each pill or chew contains at least 200 mg of calcium. This calcium supplement should be taken with meals.
  3. Calcium citrate
    • Calcium citrate is a more costly form of calcium.
    • It is well absorbed on an empty or full stomach.
    • Calcium citrate absorbs better than calcium carbonate in those with low stomach acid (a condition more frequent in people older than 50 years).
  4. Calcium dolomite
    • Dolomite is a form of limestone that contains a lot of magnesium and calcium carbonate.
    • It contains trace levels of several other minerals.
    • Dolomite is used as a calcium and magnesium supplement.

Other forms, such as calcium gluconate and calcium lactate, have less calcium than carbonate and citrate and provide fewer benefits.

What are the potential side effects of calcium phosphate?

Calcium phosphate supplementation is generally regarded as safe, but there are certain side effects and contraindications.

Side effects of calcium phosphate include:

Calcium phosphate is contraindicated in the following: 

  • Women who are pregnant or nursing
  • People with specific medical disorders, such as kidney stones or parathyroid gland disease
  • Calcium phosphate may interfere with the absorption of other drugs, such as:
    • Heart failure medications
    • Antacids
    • Supplemental vitamin D
    • Certain antibiotics
    • Iron tablet
    • Thyroid medications

It is always recommended to consult the doctor before using calcium phosphate.

Medically Reviewed on 8/12/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

All About Calcium Supplements. https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1980/index.htm

Calcium phosphate, tribasic (tricalcium phosphate) (Posture). https://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-calcium_phosphate_tribasic_tricalcium_phosphate/article_em.htm