Calcium is key to strong bones, healthy heart rhythms, and more.
It may interact with some medications and it can have negative side effects.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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Some people take calcium supplements if they are not getting enough calcium from their diet alone.
It may also be used to treat deficiencies in another mineral called phosphate.
Treatment for Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body.
It’s most well known for its role in buildingstrong bonesand teeth.
The body can’t make calcium on its own, so it must come from your diet.
Early stages of calcium deficiency may not cause symptoms.
Over time, calcium deficiency can result in reduced bone strength.
Tricalcium phosphate is a significant source of calcium.
Excessive intake of calcium from tricalcium phosphate supplements can lead tohypercalcemia(high calcium levels).
This condition can lead to severe side effects, including vomiting,kidney stones, and heart rhythm disturbances.
If you are thinking about supplementing with calcium, talk to your healthcare provider.
Treatment for Phosphate Deficiency
Phosphorousis the second most abundant mineral in the human body behind calcium.
A significant amount of phosphorous is converted into phosphate ions in the body.
This conversion allows the phosphorous to be used more effectively for a variety of physiological functions.
Phosphate deficiency can happen as a result of several genetic, drug-induced, or medical reasons.
People with kidney disease should not use tricalcium phosphate to supplement calcium.
They may have problems clearing the additional phosphorus resulting in high blood levels of phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia).
Tricalcium phosphate can make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications.
How Much Tricalcium Phosphate Should I Take?
Calcium is abundant in many common foods, like dairy products and green, leafy vegetables.
Most people will get sufficient calcium by eating a well-balanced diet.
For example, if you take in 200 milligrams of calcium, your body will absorb about 45%.
it’s possible for you to split up your dosage amounts throughout the day.
You may want to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine which dosage is right for you.
Supplement Facts
What if I Take Too Much Tricalcium Phosphate?
You should take your supplements separately from these medications.
Similar Supplements
Calcium carbonate and calcium acetate areother forms of calcium supplements.
Other forms include calcium sulfate, ascorbate, microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, gluconate, and lactate.
These forms differ in the amount of elemental calcium they have.
Generally, tricalcium phosphate does not offer any advantages over the other calcium forms.
Tricalcium phosphate is sometimes referred to as tribasic calcium phosphate, bone phosphate of lime, or calcium phosphate.
Food Sources of Tricalcium Phosphate
Calcium is abundant in dairy products.
Tricalcium phosphate is also found in foods fortified with calcium and household products like baby powder and toothpaste.
Antacids also contain calcium.
Tricalcium phosphate is also available in supplement form.
As an additive, it is odorless and tasteless.
Tricalcium Phosphate Supplements
Calcium phosphate is generally recognized as safe when produced with good manufacturing practices.
Tricalcium phosphate supplements are best taken with food and a full glass of water.
Some calcium supplements are combined with other vitamins and minerals.
Commonly, they are combined with vitamin D or magnesium.
Be sure to read the labels carefully to see whether the supplement you are considering contains other nutrients.
Tricalcium phosphate is vegan unless derived from dolomite, oyster shell, or bone meal.
Additionally, the supplement facts label should list the quantity of elemental calcium.
Be wary of supplements that make unsubstantiated claims.
No supplement should claim that it can treat, cure, or prevent diseases.
Summary
Tricalcium phosphate is just one of many forms of calcium supplements available.
It is commonly used as a food additive, but can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.
For some people who cannot get enough calcium from foods, supplementation is needed.
However, it is generally best to get your calcium through your diet.
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