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HAP – Hydroxylapatite: Functions, Uses and Benefits

HAP (hydroxylapatite) is a naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral that forms the main component of bones and tooth enamel, with wide applications in medicine and dentistry.

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Things worth knowing about "HAP"

HAP (hydroxylapatite) is a naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral that forms the main component of bones and tooth enamel, with wide applications in medicine and dentistry.

What is HAP (Hydroxylapatite)?

HAP stands for hydroxylapatite (also spelled hydroxyapatite), a naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂. It is the primary inorganic component of human bones and teeth, comprising approximately 70% of bone matrix and up to 97% of tooth enamel. Due to its outstanding biocompatibility and bioactivity, synthetically produced hydroxylapatite is widely used in modern medicine, dentistry, and the dietary supplement industry.

Biological Functions

Hydroxylapatite fulfils several essential roles in the human body:

Structural stability: As the main mineral in bones, HAP provides the skeleton with strength and rigidity.
Tooth protection: In tooth enamel, HAP shields teeth from mechanical stress and chemical attack by acids.
Mineral storage: Bones serve as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate, which can be released from hydroxylapatite as needed.
Cell interaction: HAP promotes the attachment and growth of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts), supporting bone regeneration.

Medical and Dental Applications

Bone Substitution and Implantology

Synthetic hydroxylapatite is used as a bone substitute material in orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and implantology. It encourages the ingrowth of natural bone (osseointegration) and can be applied as a coating on metal implants to improve anchorage within bone tissue.

Dental Care and Remineralization

Nano-hydroxylapatite is used in modern toothpastes as an alternative to fluoride. It can fill micro-cracks in tooth enamel, remineralize the surface, and reduce tooth sensitivity. Studies indicate that nano-HAP can be similarly effective to fluoride in caries prevention.

Dietary Supplements

HAP is marketed as a calcium source in dietary supplements to support bone and dental health. It provides both calcium and phosphate in a physiologically relevant ratio.

Drug Delivery

In pharmacology, hydroxylapatite is being researched as a carrier material for the controlled release of active substances, owing to its biodegradable nature and excellent tolerability.

Recommended Intake and Dosage

There is no single official dosage recommendation specifically for hydroxylapatite as a dietary supplement. The recommended daily calcium intake for adults, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is approximately 1000 mg per day. When using HAP-containing supplements, total calcium intake from all sources should be taken into account. For toothpastes containing nano-HAP, concentrations between 5% and 20% are common and considered safe.

Safety and Tolerability

Hydroxylapatite is generally considered very well tolerated and biocompatible. Adverse effects from oral intake are rare but may occur with excessive calcium consumption (e.g., kidney stones, hypercalcemia). Nano-hydroxylapatite in toothpastes is considered safe by the European Commission, provided it is not inhaled. Individuals with kidney problems or calcium metabolism disorders should consult a physician before use.

Interactions

Calcium from HAP supplements may affect the absorption of certain medications, including:

Tetracycline antibiotics
Thyroid hormones (levothyroxine)
Bisphosphonates
Certain antibiotics (quinolones)

It is recommended to take HAP supplements at a different time than these medications.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Calcium supplementation in pregnant women. WHO Guideline, Geneva, 2013.
Vallet-Regi M, Gonzalez-Calbet JM. Calcium phosphates as substitution of bone tissues. Progress in Solid State Chemistry. 2004;32(1-2):1-31.
Amaechi BT et al. Hydroxyapatite in remineralization of dental enamel: a clinical review. Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2019;30(2):34-42.

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