Holistic Health Supplements The Health Benefits of Tricalcium Phosphate By Kathi Valeii Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Learn about our editorial process Kathi Valeii Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc on December 21, 2020 facebook linkedin Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in New York City. Learn about our Medical Review Board Lana Butner, ND, LAc on December 21, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Common Questions Tricalcium phosphate is a supplement form of calcium phosphate and is used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium is primarily important for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is naturally found in foods like dairy, nuts and seeds, and dark, leafy vegetables. In addition to its use as a supplement, tricalcium phosphate is used as an anti-caking agent in powdered food items. It is also used as an additive in some processed foods to boost calcium content. Tricalcium phosphate is considered safe to use as a food additive and supplement, but there are some people in whom it has contraindications, and there can be interactions and side effects. Also Known As Other names include:Tribasic calcium phosphateBone phosphate of limeCalcium phosphate Getty Images Health Benefits Calcium is stored primarily in the body’s bones and teeth. Calcium is important in children and adolescents who require it for bone growth and development. Adults also need calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is most readily absorbed through foods that are naturally high in calcium. Sometimes people who have lactose intolerance or who are vegan may not get enough calcium through their diets. Signs of calcium deficiency may include: Muscle cramps and spasmsTingling in the hands and feetMemory difficultyBrittle nails and bones In post-menopausal people, when bone-breakdown occurs faster than new bone is generated, adequate calcium is especially important in preventing osteoporosis. Possible Side Effects Supplementing with tricalcium phosphate is generally considered safe, but there are some risks and precautions. Sometimes tricalcium phosphate may cause certain side effects, such as: Nausea or vomitingConstipationIncreased thirstIncreased urinationDecreased appetite Contraindications People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with certain health conditions, like kidney stones or parathyroid gland disorder should talk to their doctors before taking tricalcium phosphate. Tricalcium phosphate can make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications. If you currently take medications, you should discuss how they may interact with tricalcium phosphate. Some medications that may be contraindicated include, but are not limited to: Medications used to treat heart failure Antacids Vitamin D supplements Certain antibiotics Dosage and Preparation Calcium is abundantly found in many common foods, like dairy products and green, leafy vegetables. Most people will find sufficient calcium by eating a well-balanced diet. Foods naturally high in calcium include: Dairy products, like milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and yogurtCalcium-fortified orange juiceSoy products, such as soy milk and tofuFish, like salmon and sardinesGreen vegetables, like broccoli, kale, spinach, and turnip greens The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium is stated in milligrams (mg) per day. It varies by age and whether someone is post-menopausal: Infants (0-6 months) need 200 mg/dayInfants (7-12 months) need 260 mg/dayToddlers (1-3 years) need 700 mg/dayChildren (4-8 years) need 1,000 mg/dayChildren and teens (9-18 years) need 1,300 mg/dayAdults (19-50 years) need 1,000 mg/dayPost-menopausal adults (51-70 years) need 1,200 mg/dayAdults over 70 years need 1,200 mg/day If you are considering supplementing with tricalcium phosphate, remember that you will still receive calcium in the food you already eat. You may want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine which dosage is right for you. What to Look For Calcium phosphate is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Tricalcium phosphate is best taken with food and a full glass of water. Store this supplement at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Calcium supplements come in a variety of forms. In addition to tricalcium phosphate, you’ll find: Calcium carbonate Calcium citrateCalcium gluconate Calcium lactate 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 it was derived from dolomite, oyster shell, or bone meal. In addition to not being vegan, supplements made from those ingredients may contain high levels of lead and other metals. Read the label carefully, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities, to determine the source of the ingredients and whether the supplement you are considering is free of allergens. Be wary of supplements that make unsubstantiated claims. No supplement should make claims that they can treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Supplementing with tricalcium phosphate may be important for some people. Remember, it is best to obtain calcium from food sources, like dairy products, green vegetables, soy, and fish, if possible. Calcium is absorbed better from food sources than from supplements. Common Questions Is tricalcium phosphate bad for you? Tricalcium phosphate is a common additive in foods and it is also used as a nutritional supplement. It is considered safe for human consumption. People who are considering using tricalcium phosphate should discuss it with their doctor. Certain medical conditions are contraindicated. If you have kidney stones or kidney disease or have parathyroid gland disorder, you may not be able to take tricalcium phosphate. Some medications and supplements should not be taken with tricalcium phosphate. Antacids, certain heart medications, some antibiotics, and vitamin D supplements are contraindicated. How does tricalcium phosphate compare to other calcium supplements? Elemental calcium is the amount of calcium released during digestion that becomes available for absorption. Calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate have the highest concentration of elemental calcium at 40%. Calcium citrate comes in next at 21%, calcium lactate at 13%, and calcium gluconate at 9%. Determining which form of calcium supplement is right for you is best determined in partnership with your doctor. Be sure to discuss your diet, existing health conditions, and medications as you evaluate tricalcium phosphate. The best way to get adequate calcium is by consuming calcium-containing foods. A Word From Verywell Tricalcium phosphate is a common food additive and it is also used as a nutritional supplement. People who do not get adequate calcium through food sources may decide to take a calcium supplement, like tricalcium phosphate, but calcium is best absorbed when consumed through food. Be sure to discuss any supplements and your individual needs with your doctor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Silva EO, Bracarense APFRL. Phytic acid: From antinutritional to multiple protection factor of organic systems. J Food Sci. 2016;81(6):R1357-1362. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.13320 Michgan Medicine. Calcium phosphate, tribasic (tricalcium phosphate). Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium. Updated March 26, 2020. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. 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