Calcium, amino acids and phosphate are all nutrients required by the body for its daily functions. You can get these nutrients from your diet, though many people take supplements to ensure they meet their recommended daily requirement. Before taking any type of supplement, talk to your doctor for specific recommendations.
Calcium
Calcium is used to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays a role in many of the body's other functions, including heart health and nerve function. If you do not get enough calcium through your diet or supplements, your body may extract it from your bones or teeth, increasing your risk for bone density disorders such as osteoporosis. The average adult needs between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg of calcium per day, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. While eating a healthy diet is the preferred method for getting your calcium, many types of calcium supplements are also available without a doctor's prescription.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are also required for the body's routine functions. There are more than 20 types of amino acids, all of which combine in different ways to form proteins. When the body digests proteins, it breaks them down into these building blocks. Amino acids are required to fuel bodily growth and to repair damaged tissue, as well as to break down other foods for their nutritional content. You can get sufficient amino acids in your diet simply by eating a variety of foods, though supplements are also available for purchase over the counter.
Phosphates
Phosphates are involved in the body's energy production and storage, and also contribute to the integrity of your cells. Like calcium, they are found in many dairy products, though phosphates are also abundant in meat, cereals and sodas. In addition to being required for many bodily functions, phosphates may be used as a treatment for some medical conditions, including kidney stone prevention, rickets and acid reflux. When used for medicinal purposes, they are often used in the form of phosphate salts, which are mixed with other related minerals.
Working Together
While they all perform different functions in the body, these three nutrients are related. Calcium and phosphate are often used in combination to treat tooth sensitivity. In addition, phosphate may be added to calcium supplements, along with other vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin D, which may improve calcium absorption. You can also find amino acid supplements that contain calcium. Proteins, which are made up of amino acids, may also have an impact on how calcium is absorbed. According to a 2003 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, low protein diets are associated with lower levels of calcium absorption, and vice versa. While these supplements may work together, it is not necessary to take them in a particular combination unless your doctor advises you to do so. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary Protein, Calcium Metabolism, and Skeletal Homeostasis Revisited; Jane E Kerstetter, Kimberly O O'Brien and Karl L Insogna; 78 (3) September 2003
- Medline Plus: Amino Acids; February 2011
- Medline Plus: Phosphate Salts; November 2010
- NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: Calcium Supplements: What to Look For; January 2011
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