Dicalcium Phosphate – Uses, Benefits & Dosage
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium compound used as a dietary supplement and food additive. It provides both calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone and dental health.
Things worth knowing about "Dicalcium phosphate"
Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium compound used as a dietary supplement and food additive. It provides both calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone and dental health.
What is Dicalcium Phosphate?
Dicalcium phosphate (also known as dibasic calcium phosphate; chemical formula CaHPO4) is an inorganic calcium salt of phosphoric acid. It belongs to the group of calcium phosphates and exists in two main forms: anhydrous dicalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4 · 2H2O). As a food additive, it is approved in the European Union under the designation E 341(ii). Dicalcium phosphate is widely used in dietary supplements, pharmaceutical products, and animal nutrition.
Biological Functions
Dicalcium phosphate supplies the human body with two essential minerals:
- Calcium: Essential for building and maintaining bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
- Phosphorus: A key structural component of bones and teeth (as part of hydroxyapatite), involved in energy metabolism (ATP production), acid-base balance, and numerous metabolic processes.
Approximately 99% of the body's calcium and 85% of its phosphorus are stored in the skeleton. An adequate supply of both minerals is therefore particularly important for bone health.
Use as a Food Additive and in Dietary Supplements
Food Additive (E 341(ii))
As a food additive, dicalcium phosphate fulfils several technological functions:
- Acidity regulator: It helps stabilise the pH value in food products.
- Leavening agent: It is used in baking powder and baked goods to create a light, airy texture.
- Anti-caking agent: It prevents clumping in powdered foods and supplements.
- Calcium source: It is used for nutrient fortification of foods such as cereal products and infant formula.
Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
In tablets, capsules, and powders, dicalcium phosphate is frequently used as a filler and binder. It also serves as a direct source of calcium and phosphorus. Applications include:
- Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency (e.g., in osteoporosis, rickets)
- Supporting bone and dental health
- Increased calcium requirements during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and periods of growth
Recommended Intake and Bioavailability
The bioavailability of calcium from dicalcium phosphate is good, though slightly lower than that of calcium citrate. Absorption depends on adequate vitamin D levels, which significantly enhance intestinal calcium uptake. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and most national health authorities, the recommended daily intake of calcium for adults is approximately 1,000 mg, and up to 1,200 mg for older adults.
For phosphorus, the recommended daily intake for adults is around 700 mg. Since Western diets often provide excess phosphorus, total intake should be monitored when using supplements.
Safety, Side Effects, and Interactions
Dicalcium phosphate is considered safe at typical doses. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the substance as a food additive and classified it as safe for consumption.
Excessive intake may lead to the following side effects:
- Constipation or digestive discomfort (at high calcium doses)
- Increased risk of kidney stones in individuals prone to calcium oxalate stones
- Hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium levels) at very high doses
Interactions have been reported with:
- Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones (antibiotics): Calcium can reduce the absorption of these medications
- Bisphosphonates: Calcium impairs their uptake, so a time interval between intake is recommended
- Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone): Simultaneous intake can reduce its effectiveness
Occurrence in Foods
Dicalcium phosphate is used as an additive in various food products, including baked goods, cereal products, infant formula, dietary foods, and nutritional supplements. On food labels, it appears as E 341(ii) or under the name dicalcium phosphate.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of calcium phosphates (E 341) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2019.
- World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Human Vitamin and Mineral Requirements. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. 2002.
- Straub, D.A.: Calcium Supplementation in Clinical Practice – A Review of Forms, Doses, and Indications. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 2007.
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