Calcium Phosphate: Understanding Its Uses and Benefits
Calcium phosphate is a family of compounds that contain calcium and phosphate groups. It is widely used in various industries, including food, pharma, dietary supplements, feed, and dentifrice. In this blog post, we will explore the different uses and benefits of calcium phosphate.
Calcium phosphate has several applications in the food industry. It is used as flour additives, acidulants, dough conditioners, anticaking agents, buffering and leavening agents, yeast nutrients, and nutritional supplements. Calcium phosphate is often a part of baking powder along with sodium bicarbonate. Three main calcium phosphate salts in foods: monocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, and tricalcium phosphate.
Calcium phosphate serves several functions in baked goods. It acts as an anticaking and moisture control agent, dough strengthener, firming agent, flour bleaching treatment, leavening aid, nutrient supplement, stabilizer and thickener, texturizer, pH regulator, acidulant, sequestrant of minerals that may catalyze lipid oxidation, antioxidant synergist, and coloring adjunct.
Calcium phosphate also plays a vital role in cell functioning as well as building bones. Daily consumption up to 1000 mg of calcium is considered safe by the FDA. The allowed daily intake (ADI) of 0 – 70 mg/kg of total phosphorus is recommended by FAO/WHO.
Production of Calcium Phosphate
Calcium phosphate is commercially produced through two processes depending on the type:
1. Monocalcium and dicalcium phosphate:
- Reaction: defluorinated phosphoric acid is mixed with high-quality limestone or other calcium salts in a reaction vessel.
- Drying: calcium phosphate is separated, and the crystals are then dried.
- Grinding: anhydrous calcium phosphate is ground to the desired particle size.
- Coating: the granules are covered with a phosphate-based coating.
2. Tricalcium phosphate:
- Calcination: phosphate rock is mixed with phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide in a reaction vessel followed by heating to high temperatures.
- Grinding: calcium phosphate is ground to the desired particle size.
Benefits of Calcium Phosphate Supplements
Calcium phosphate supplements are used to treat calcium deficiencies in the diet. Calcium phosphate in food is an essential mineral found naturally that aids in healthy bone development and is crucial from infancy to adulthood. Calcium also aids in healthy digestion by aiding in bile acid metabolism, excretion of fatty acid, and healthy gut microbiota.
Calcium phosphate supplements are recommended for people who follow a vegan diet, have lactose intolerance that limits dairy intake, consume a lot of animal protein or sodium, use corticosteroids as part of a long-term treatment plan, or have IBD or Celiac disease that prevents proper absorption of calcium.
When taking calcium phosphate supplements, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and not take more than recommended. Calcium is most efficiently absorbed when taken with a snack or meal. Staying hydrated by drinking water is also important for digestion and nutrient absorption. Calcium may interact with other medications or make them less effective, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Conclusion
Calcium phosphate is a versatile compound that has numerous applications in various industries. Its uses range from food additives to nutritional supplements. Calcium phosphate plays an essential role in cell functioning and bone development. Calcium phosphate supplements are recommended for people who have calcium deficiencies in their diet. When taking supplements, it is important to follow instructions on the label and talk to your doctor before starting any regimen.