Calcium Phosphate Explanation and Potential Hazards
Calcium phosphate supplements, a common dietary supplement, offer a combination of essential minerals crucial for maintaining bone health. These supplements are available in various forms, including liquid, chewable tablets, and capsules [1].
Before embarking on a calcium phosphate supplement regimen, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine suitability and explore alternative options. Certain health conditions, such as hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, postmenopausal women, and those with dietary restrictions, may benefit from calcium phosphate supplementation [2].
Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, fish, green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified foods, tofu, nuts, seeds, and certain vegan foods [3]. However, supplements may be necessary for individuals who struggle to meet their daily calcium requirements through diet alone.
The recommended daily intake of calcium is about 1000 milligrams, with phosphorus intake roughly 700 milligrams [4]. The specific daily intake levels vary by age and life stage, with infants requiring as little as 200 mg and adolescents needing up to 1,300 mg [5].
While calcium phosphate supplements can help maintain bone health, they should be taken as directed and not exceed the daily dose recommended by the manufacturer. For better absorption, these supplements should be divided throughout the day and taken with food, which may also include vitamin D for improved absorption in the gut [6].
However, there are potential risks associated with calcium phosphate supplementation. Exceeding safe calcium intake limits can lead to complications such as hypercalcemia, an excessive amount of calcium in the body, which may cause bone pain, kidney problems, and other health issues [7].
Moreover, high calcium and phosphate intake may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease [8]. Certain medications, such as dolutegravir, levothyroxine, lithium, and quinolone antibiotics, can interact with calcium supplements, diminishing their effect and causing unwanted side effects [9].
It's also important to note that taking calcium supplements concurrently with iron supplements may reduce the absorption of both minerals, making it advisable to discuss this with a healthcare provider [10].
Potential side effects of calcium phosphate supplementation can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, bone and muscle pain, and kidney problems [11].
In conclusion, calcium phosphate supplementation can be beneficial for maintaining bone health, but it should be approached with caution. It's essential to consider total dietary intake, individual health status, and potential risks related to overconsumption to balance benefits in bone maintenance and risks associated with excessive calcium intake. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
References: [1] Calcium phosphate supplements: forms and uses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/calcium-phosphate-drug.htm [2] Calcium phosphate supplementation: benefits and risks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/calcium-phosphate [3] Calcium and phosphorus: essential nutrients for bone health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.org/about-osteoporosis/what-is-osteoporosis/bone-health/calcium-and-phosphorus [4] Daily values for nutrients. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaging-labeling/daily-values-nutrients [5] Calcium and phosphorus requirements in different age groups. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/ [6] Calcium absorption and bioavailability. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92774/ [7] Hypercalcemia: causes, symptoms, and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/hypercalcemia [8] High calcium and phosphate intake and cardiovascular disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6123145/ [9] Calcium supplements: drug interactions and side effects. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/calcium-phosphate/interactions [10] Calcium and iron interactions: what you should know. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calcium-and-iron-interactions#toc_2 [11] Potential side effects of calcium phosphate supplements. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/calcium-phosphate-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- The nutrient calcium, combined with phosphorus, is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.
- A healthcare provider's consultation is recommended before starting a calcium phosphate supplement regimen to determine suitability, explore alternative options, and assess if individuals with certain medical-conditions, like hypocalcemia or vitamin D deficiency, may benefit.
- Foods rich in calcium, like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and nuts, can help meet daily requirements, but supplements may be necessary for those who struggle with dietary restrictions or have chronic-kidney-disease.
- The recommended daily intake of these essential minerals is about 1000 milligrams of calcium and 700 milligrams of phosphorus, but the specific amounts vary by age and life stage.
- While calcium phosphate supplements aid in bone health, excessive intake can lead to unwanted side effects like hypercalcemia, which causes bone pain and kidney problems, and potential risks such as increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Medications like dolutegravir, levothyroxine, lithium, quinolone antibiotics, iron supplements, and CBD may interact with calcium phosphate supplements, diminishing their effect or causing undesirable side effects.
- Potential side effects of calcium phosphate supplementation include diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, and kidney problems; thus, individuals should consider total dietary intake, individual health status, and potential risks before incorporating these supplements into their health-and-wellness routine.
