Approximately 3.5 billion people are affected by calcium deficiency, and this is almost half of the world’s population who have inadequate access to calcium. Calcium deficiency in the body can cause various health problems, including pregnancy complications, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.
People adopt many methods to meet their calcium needs. Some supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. Although these forms are commonly used, tricalcium phosphate is another option that is becoming popular in recent times.
It is the calcium salt of phosphoric acid and is also called calcium phosphate or tribasic calcium phosphate. It is used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency or as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods and additives in processed foods.
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 dosage.
How is tricalcium phosphate beneficial?
Tricalcium phosphate is mainly used by people who are not getting enough calcium from their diet. This supplement is also consumed by people who suffer from calcium deficiency to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. They are also used as additives in processed foods to boost calcium and as anti-caking agents in powdered foods.
Tribasic calcium phosphate plays an important role in the proper functioning of cells, muscles and bones. It is also used in various medicines, such as to treat low blood calcium levels. Calcium phosphate is also used to treat conditions caused by low calcium such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, and latent tetany.
Tricalcium is commonly used to compensate for calcium deficiency in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to take more than the required dose specified by the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDF), which is 500 mg. Exceeding the upper limit of tolerance can lead to various health problems like kidney diseases. Therefore, it is advised to consult health care professionals and registered dietitians before including it in your diet.
What are the side effects of tricalcium phosphate?
Although tricalcium phosphate supplements are considered safe, in some cases, they can cause serious health problems. One such health risk is hypercalcemia, caused by consuming too much calcium phosphate. However, this is a rare condition that occurs, especially when a person suffers from certain medical conditions, and can cause problems such as constipation, loss of appetite, confusion or dry mouth.
Heavy intake of tricalcium phosphate may also increase the risk of kidney stones. This problem usually occurs in women who take calcium or multivitamin supplements. Studies have also shown that calcium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular health by 25% in men and 20% in women.
Therefore, pregnant or lactating women are advised to consult health professionals for the correct dosage. People with kidney disease are not allowed to use tricalcium phosphate as a calcium supplement. Even people who have been prescribed certain medicines should consult their respective doctors to avoid any health risks.
What is the correct dosage of tricalcium phosphate?
As of now, it is understood that wrong intake of calcium phosphate can cause various health problems. Therefore, it is important to know the right dosage and source to meet your calcium requirement.
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), a person needs about 500 mg of tricalcium phosphate in a single dose. This may 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 advisable to fix the timing of taking calcium phosphate once a day. It is better to divide the dosage amount throughout the day so that you do not exceed the limit.
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Therefore, it is recommended to take at least 500 mg in a single dose to provide adequate calcium. These supplements are available in natural foods, so it is not necessary to resort to pills or other sources to meet your requirement. Nevertheless, if you are suffering from calcium deficiency or other health problems, it is advised to consult your doctors first to know the right dosage.